Video at Convention Remembers Bishop Chang

The Rt. Rev. Richard S. O. Chang, the fourth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i, was laid to rest on September 17, 2017, at the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Honolulu. This video was prepared for viewing at the Annual Meeting of Convention on October 21, 2017, as a tribute to Bishop Chang's lifetime of dedicated service, his steadfast love of God and care to all those whose lives he touched.

The video was beautifully produced by Sybil Nishioka. Click on the image above to view the video.

Last month, members of our 'Ohana participated in a "Communication Survey" distributed by the Vestry. Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey.

Improving communications

Do you ever have a suggestion, an idea, some feedback, or comment you want to pass along to the Vestry? Now you can share that thought with the Vestry anytime and virtually anywhere. 

All Saints' Vestry is happy to introduce the All Saints' Thought Box!

In keeping with their communication goals, the Vestry wanted to create a way that parishioners can freely and anonymously communicate directly with the Vestry. Users can access the Thought Box through the All Saints' Website (look for the light bulb logo) and there will be a link in each issue of the Epistle. Comments are NOT screened and go directly to everyone on the Vestry.

Thanksgiving Luncheon Prepares to Serve Free Meals

Autumn is in the air. You see all the lovely red and yellow leaves failing from the trees and dancing at your feet. Well...maybe not on Kaua'i, but it is getting cooler and days are shorter. Now that autumn has arrived in Kaua'i it means Halloween is just around the corner and on Thursday, November 23rd the Kapa'a Interfaith Thanksgiving Service and Free Luncheon.

Kuilau Ridge Trail this Sunday

Sunday, October 29th, the Heavenly Hikes group up into the mountains of Wailua near the Keahua Arboretum on the well-maintained Kuilau Ridge Trail. 

Remembering Queen Lili'uokalani

"The occasion of the 100th Anniversary of the death of Queen Lili'uokalani, with the tolling of bells and prayer and commemorative observances, statewide, are very appropriate and encouraged as an important memorial and remembrance of the Queen."

Queen Lili'uokalani died on November 11th, 1917 and the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'I is honoring her life. Churches throughout the State are asked to toll their bells 100 times and hold services in celebration of the life of the last monarch of the Kingdom of Hawai'i.

All Saints' will hold a special service of remembrance on Saturday, November 11th at 8:30AM to remember her life of faith, devotion and service to Ke Akua Mana Loa.

Weather permitting, the service will take place in front of Memorial Hall.

For more information on the service please contact either David Murray or Sierra Gore .

The end of phase two is near

Phase Two, which consists of the projects to enhance the sanctuary space and to prepare the organ chamber, is scheduled to be completed next month (November 2017). Judging by the recent Sunday Church attendance, the congregation is eager to return to the sanctuary! 

Highlights from the September Meeting

 

The Vestry Corner features the considered motions and a link to the meeting minutes from last month's Vestry meeting.

Unapproved Motions:

• None

September 2017 Vestry Minutes

Special Schedule for Advent 4

This year, Christmas Eve, December 24th, falls on a Sunday. Sunday morning is Advent 4 and Sunday evening is Christmas Eve services. For clergy this creates a significant dilemma-or crisis. At All Saints' we are going to do a slightly different approach. Hopefully, it will allow us to experience the beauty of Advent 4 and the joy of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 

There will be no services on the morning of Sunday, December 24th. However, we will celebrate Advent 4 at a special Taizé Eucharist on Saturday evening, December 23rd at 5:30PM.

Each week, The Epistle will highlight the upcoming Sunday School lesson from "Weaving God's Promises."

October 29th: Ruth and Naomi

Ruth is a foreigner, from Moab. According to the law, she has no protection from harm in Israel. But in this story, she seeks and finds refuge "under the wings" of the God of Israel, then marries one of the great men of the city. Her son is King David's grandfather, and the ancestor of Jesus. The message is clear. The author pleads for the acceptance of foreigners as part of the People of God, the Israelites.

Sometimes modern Christians have as hard a time accepting the truth that all are welcome in the house of God as did the exclusive nationalists of Old Testament days when Samaritans and other foreigners were hated. The gospel is clear: salvation is available to all. Jesus himself was the descendant of a "foreigner."

The themes for us in this story are faithfulness and welcome. As God's people, we are always in relationship not only with God but with others. All of us-adults and children alike-can see the effects of hatred because of race, nationality and other differences. People are oppressed and marginalized because they are "foreign" or "different." We need to learn how to be faithful not only to God but also to one another, in love and compassion.

Sunday School Teachers this Sunday, "Team D."

Education Day at Diocese Convention: Rev. Ryan spoke to Education Day participates introducing the Diocese' new strategic plan. Rev. Ryan served as the chair of the Diocese's Strategics Initiatives Group.


Convention: Members of All Saints' Ke Akua Youth Group, Reis Nakamura, Mason Tabura, and Braden Tabura, address Diocese Convention about their Episcopal Youth Event (EYE) experience. Eryn Yamashiro, Grace Yatsko, and Raiden Kurisu participated also by pre-recording video messages to the Convention. The All Saints' did an amazing job sharing the impact of their EYE experience and extraordinarily represented our 'Ohana!

 EYE representatives gather at Convention to speak.

Pictures courtesy of the Diocese of Hawai'i and Sybil Nishioka.

These news briefs were featured in previous issues of "The Epistle." 

Holy Sovereigns Postponed until Nov. 26th

All Saints' have made the decisions to postpone the Holy Sovereigns service this year until November 26th (Sunday nearest the actually feast day, November 28th). It will be the day the Holy Sovereigns are celebrated throughout the Diocese.  The major reason for the postponement is due to the ongoing work in the Church's sanctuary. Initially, we had planned to be back in the Church by October 15th.  Save the date, November 26th, and be sure to attend this beautiful service and the amazing reception afterwards.

Medical Equipment Loan (MEL) Ministry 

The ministry now has enough equipment to officially start the loan program. The equipment is available to our church 'Ohana, the local community, and visitors to Kaua'i.  MEL has a small stock of shower chairs, walkers, wheelchairs, crutches, canes, etc. for loan for a $20 deposit, $15 of which is refundable upon the return of the equipment.  The borrowing procedure is simple. Call or email the MEL ministry with your request and the MEL ministers will set up a time for the equipment pickup at All Saints'. The paperwork required includes basic contact information and a liability release form.  If you are interested in being involved in the MEL Ministry or making a donation, please contact the MEL ministry by email address (  [email protected] ) or by phone (808) 431-1306.

October Hale Ho'omalu Collection
October's special collection for Hale Ho'omalu, a family service center located 1/2 block away from All Saints', is   Paper goods (ie. Toilet Paper/Paper Towels, Disposable Diapers).  Every Sunday, all gift-in-kind donations can be left in the red wagon at the Church's entrance. Hale Ho'omalu also needs and appreciates monetary donations as well as gift-in-kind items.