An Anchor of Hope - Pray for all those in the path of danger

God of compassion, you are our refuge and our strength, our sure rock in the midst of any storm, the light which pierces every darkness, and an anchor of hope for those who contend with despair. Reach out your hand to all those who fear that they are sinking beneath the waves, or feel as if they’re too weary to carry on through the heat of the day. May they receive that courage, resilience and healing grace that can only come from you. We ask this in your Holy Name. – catholiccharitiesusa.org

This issue's header photo was taken on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, Bishop-elect Libby Berman's first official day at the Diocesan Support Center and in her new (and very bare) office. Bishop Bob, staff, and volunteers who were on island enjoyed lunch in the conference room together. Aloha and welcome Bishop-elect Libby! (Contributed photo)

September 24, 2026

Season of Pentecost: Proper 21

O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we, running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

IN THIS ISSUE:

FEATURE STORIES:

Annual Clergy Conference: Transitioning Into the Future

A Joyful Day at St. Columba's! Ordination to the Priesthood: Catherine McPherson-Tampos
ECW Annual Meeting: He Lei Ho'okahi, by Louise Aloy

REGULAR FEATURED SECTIONS:

Bishop's Corner - The Bishop's Cross & Honorary Canon Presentations; DSC Staff Farewell Dinner; Visitations & Blessings Galore! (Holy Apostles, Hālau Waʻa, St. Mark's, Holy Cross)
Growing in Grace - (A monthly feature)
Kahuaola: 7 Essential Climate Films to Watch Right Now
Island Happenings - At The Cathedral: Community donations; O'AHU: The Rev. Brian Rallison Celebrates a "New" Ministry

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPCOMING:

Bishop Search & Transition - Donations for Bishop-elect Vestments; Bishop-elect contact information
Convention 58 - Have you registered? Only 3 weeks until Convention!
Camp Mokulē'ia - Register now for Families Can Surive weekend
United Thank Offering Invites 2027 Grant Applicants
Choir Robes from St. Timothy's Looking for a New Home
Coming Up: HIGHLIGHT O'AHU - Renewal of Ministry, The Rev. Katie Nakamura Rengers; See what's happening around the Diocese - Be sure to check with churches about events and services this weekend and beyond, especially Hawai'i Island and Maui.

THE BISHOP'S CORNER

The Bishop's Cross & Honorary Canons

Aloha my Siblings in Christ,

I write to share some good news to honor some folk who have walked by my side during this journey, as well as contributed significantly to our Diocese during my tenure as Canon and now Bishop Diocesan. As my time with you all as Bishop Diocesan comes to a close, I would like to honor some of those people with either the “Bishop’s Cross” or by being named an Honorary Canon to the Cathedral of St. Andrew.

Since becoming Bishop of Hawai‘i in 2006, it has been my practice to present the “Bishop’s Cross” to those who have shown extraordinary service to the Church. The symbol of the honor is a Koa wooden box. Koa is an endemic tree of these islands. The name “Koa” is translated as “warrior.” Engraved on the box are the words: “Kā Pīhopa Keali‘ikoaokeakua Ke‘a [The Bishop “Royal Warrior of God” (the Hawaiian name given to me) Cross”] and, under the cross on the ribbon, “He Lanakila Ma Ke Ke‘a” (Victory through the Cross).

To be given the title of Honorary Canon, acknowledges special service to the Cathedral, the Diocese, the Episcopal Church, and/or the Anglican Communion. It is written in our Diocesan Canons: "Sec. 20.5.4 The Bishop Diocesan may from time to time appoint, with the consent of Chapter, Honorary Canons to fill established named chairs or to unnamed chairs. Such Honorary Canons shall be given seats of honor in the choir and acknowledged when in the Cathedral.”

DSC Staff Farewell Dinner

Folks around the diocese have been saying their good-byes to Bishop Bob and Bea at special gatherings and visitations for the past several months, so the Diocesan Support Center staff held a farewell dinner of their own.

On Wednesday, September 9, staff and spouses gathered at Natsunoya Tea House in Honolulu, and although neighbor island staff were held up due to Hurricane Lowell and ongoing relief efforts, that didn't stop the fun and mischief planned. Some may not be familiar with the Bishop's great sense of humor, but the staff does, and made sure to have appropriately silly props and signage for the event! Good food, good times, and lots of laughter were shared.

Best Wishes Bishop Bob & Bea!

Visitations & Blessings Galore!

As Bishop Bob's Sunday Visitations around the diocese wrap up in October, we share photos from his latest visits, beginning with Holy Apostles in Hilo on August 30. Pictured above are Bishop and Bea with the Rev. Deacon Alberta Buller, along with the Holy Apostles' 'ohana. In their online news, a heartfelt article was shared about their visit. Here is just a small excerpt: Our parish was filled with aloha as we welcomed our diocesan bishop and his wife, Bea, for his final visit with us. It was a really special day for our church ʻohana; joyful, heartfelt, and full of deep mahalo for the many ways they have shared in the life of our parish and diocese over the years.

Below, on September 6, Bishop Bob and Bea visited Hālau Waʻa Episcopal in Kapolei, where the Bishop was able to dedicate the new Godly Play story and materials honoring Queen Emma. The Rev. Mark Haworth was thrilled for this joyful and historic occasion, celebrating Bishop Bob's ministry and the new Godly Play resource that their congregation helped develop with Jenny Wallace.

Pictured below, the Bishop visited St. Mark's in Kapahulu on September 13, where the Rev. Paul Lillie presented five for confirmation. In a post on social media, St. Mark's shared: We offer thanks for Bishop Bob's faithful service to the diocese for these many fruitful years, and we wish him multiple blessings as he explores a new chapter of ministry in retirement. We also congratulate Wendy, Bernie, Myke, Elina, and Emery on this day of their confirmation. Above all else, we laud and honor the Triune God for the outpouring of ministry in the Church among the laity and the ordained. To God be the glory for eternal ages of ages!

This past Sunday, September 20, Bishop Bob and Bea made a final visitation to Holy Cross Preaching Station in Kahuku, whose faithful members (pictured at right) have kept this site going for years and years! The Rev. Preston Lentz (pictured second from left in back of his wife Mary Ann), has been serving at St. Christopher's in Kailua and at Holy Cross. He recently retired, but will continue to support Holy Cross, providing monthly Eucharist and pastoral care when needed.

(All visitation photos were contributed or are from church Facebook pages.)

Be sure to stay informed with the Bishop's latest messages by clicking on the button shown. All video messages also appear on the Dioceseʻs YouTube Channel and Facebook page.

100% of all donations go directly to relief efforts! (Credit card donations are less merchant processing fee.) Please also donate to Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) HERE for worldwide relief.

FEATURE STORIES

Annual Clergy Conference: Transitioning Into the Future

The diocese's annual Clergy Conference took place on Kaua'i, August 24-26, 2026, at the Kaua'i Outrigger Beach Resort in Lihue. Forty clergy were in attendance for Bishop Bob Fitzpatrick's final clergy conference as Bishop Diocesan.

The guest speaker was the Rev. Rachel Taber-Hamilton, who took part in the speaker series during last year's HULI project, a collaboration of three diocesan ministries. This year's conference theme, "Tradition, Transition, and Transfiguration: Living into a Time of Leadership Transition as a Communal and Spiritual Rite of Passage," was a markedly different subject matter, directed to a specific audience – clergy!

With the diocese currently in a period of change and transition, Taber-Hamilton's objective was to provide an opportunity for clergy to explore past leadership, identify the challenges, hopes, and needs that currently exist in the diocese, and how "clergy, community, and new leadership will work together towards fulfilling the creative promise of the future of the diocese." READ MORE

The following is from the Episcopal Parish of St. James', St. Columba's, and Beach Mass e-newsletter, dated September 4:

A Joyful Day at St. Columba’s!

Ordination to the Priesthood: Catherine McPherson-Tampos

What a joyful day we shared on Saturday, August 29, 2026, as the Rev. Cathy McPherson-Tampos was ordained to the priesthood at St. Columba’s!

A huge mahalo to our St. Columba’s congregation for their extraordinary hospitality. So many people worked to prepare the church and grounds for the ordination and then provided an incredible reception afterward. You welcomed Cathy, her family and friends, clergy, and guests with such generosity and aloha. It was St. Columba’s at its very best!

ECW Annual Meeting: He Lei Ho'okahi

By Louise Aloy, President, Episcopal Church Women of the Diocese of Hawai'i

Twenty women attended the Diocese of Hawai'i's Episcopal Church Women's (ECW) Annual Meeting on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at St. Timothy's in ʻAiea. The theme was "He Lei Hoʻokahi - Many Flowers - One ʻOhana - One Faith." The keynote speaker was Archdeacon Steve Costa who opened the meeting with morning prayer. After the business meetings discussions, motions and approvals, Costa spoke to the women about our Hawaiian queens, Liliuʻokalani, Kapiʻolani, and Emma. He shared much about the Hawaiian culture, the ʻāina, plants, trees, fruits, and so much more. He offered time for Q&A after his presentation that was engaging for all the women present. Then it was time for a hearty lunch enjoyed by all!

(Contributed photos - At left is ECW member, Solah Palaroan from St. Paul's, with Archdeacon Steve Costa)

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE DIOCESE

Visit the Diocese's Calendar page HERE for Diocesan events & activities.

Donations Welcome as the Consecration & Ordination of the Sixth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i Approaches

The Bishop Transitions Committee would like to express its gratitude to our community for their generosity and interest in providing financial support for the November Ordination service and its reception!

Many have reached out to inquire about how to contribute, so we’ve launched a donation form available HERE (or scan the QR code below). Donations made through this form will help cover costs for…

A selection of gifts to be presented to the bishop-elect:
Stole
Ring
Chasuble
Mitre
The Ke Kipa ‘Ana Reception
Flowers and decor

Any funds donated in excess of the value of the above will be added to the Bishops’ Vestment Fund. The public will be invited to RSVP for the ordination event beginning October 1. To stay informed about this event, visit the special event webpage HERE.

CONTACT INFO FOR BISHOP-ELECT LIBBY BERMAN:

Now that Bishop-elect Libby Berman is "in the house" you can reach her by email using the office jotform HERE. For security and to reduce phishing and SPAM attempts, we do not publish email addresses on the diocesan website and avoid posting email addresses in online postings like this. Her office number is (808) 536-7776, ext. 302. (If that looks familiar, yes, Nani will be fielding calls!)

Convention 58: All are invited to attend!

Have you registered? Convention is just 3 weeks away!

Remember that Convention 58 encompasses five different events over the course of three days. Some require payment and some are free. If you are unsure whether you registered for a specific event, please email Kaori Matsumoto HERE or call her at (808) 536-7776, ext. 305, and she will check for you. The events taking place are:

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 'Iolani School:

Education Day with plenary speakers Brother Clark Berge and Dr. Jenny Te Paa Daniel - Registration REQUIRED, Fee: $40 (includes lunch)
Convention Eucharist with Bishop's Cross Presentation - Registration preferred, FREE!
Ka Ha‘alele ‘Ana Farewell Reception for Bishop Bob - Registration REQUIRED, Fee: $30

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 'Iolani School: 58th Annual Meeting of the Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i, Registration REQUIRED, Fee: $70 (Includes lunch)
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, The Cathedral of St. Andrew: Convention Evensong for the Class of 2026 Honorary Canons, Registration preferred, FREE!

For details on all activities, click on the buttons below. All are welcome to attend any and all of the Convention 58 events.Child care is available for most events.

REMINDER: All neighbor island voting clergy and convention delegates should have already booked your flights, especially those planning to arrive on Saturday morning for the Annual Meeting. In most cases, there is only one flight that will get you to O'ahu in time before meeting check-in closes at 8:30 AM. Remember, late arrivals could cause you to lose your ability to vote!

Families Can Survive 2026

November 6-8, 2026

Camp Mokulēʻia is hosting the 2026 Families Can Survive weekend November 6-8th which is for families who have been affected by childhood cancer. Each year we come together at camp to celebrate life and create memories together with a new theme to commemorate the weekend.

Registration Now Open!

United Thank Offering Invites 2027 Grant Applicants

The United Thank Offering Board announces the opening of its 2027 annual grants process, with a focus on projects that seek to connect churches, dioceses, and provinces with the unique needs of their local communities. Applicants for this round are asked to observe three deadlines to complete the process: Dec. 4, Jan. 8, and Feb. 5.

The focus of grants for the 2026-2028 triennium is inspired by the Anglican foundational framework of Scripture, tradition, and reason. The 2027 grant focus highlights the idea that “we” are “the gifts of God for the people of God,” as noted in the Book of Common Prayer—as well as incorporating the concept of a “gift economy” discussed in Robin Wall Kimmerer’s book, “The Serviceberry,” said the Rev. Rowan Larson, chair of the United Thank Offering grant committee. For more information and to apply, click HERE.

Growing in Grace is a regular monthly feature by the Rev. Canon Andrew Arakawa, Dean of the Diocese's formation program, Waiolahui'ia Center for Ministry (WCM), with guest contributors. Canon Andrew shares sage advice, reading recommendations, and reflections to help folks on their spiritual journey. New GIG articles appear in the Chronicle's first issue of each month. To read previous articles, go to the GIG page on the diocesan website HERE.

7 Essential Climate Films to Watch Right Now

As we continue to celebrate the Season of Creation through October 4—a time dedicated to renewing our relationship with the Earth and reflecting on our shared responsibility as stewards of the planet—art and cinema offer a powerful way to awaken our hearts and minds. A recent article from Yale Climate Connections highlights a curated list of 7 climate films and documentaries recommended by an organizer of New York City’s Climate Film Festival. Whether you are looking for inspiring grassroots stories, deep ecological insights, or thought-provoking narratives, these films offer truth, hope, and actionable pathways forward. For more information and links to view these films, visit the Yale Climate Connections website HERE.

Choir Robes from St. Timothy's Looking for a New Home!

Is your church thinking about getting robes for your choir? How about blue? Gently used? Then look no further! St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in 'Āiea has a set of choir robes just for you---FREE! The choir robes (cotta) are medium blue and the cassocks are white. Click HERE for the inventory and HERE for the sizing chart. Also available are boxes of music books. If you are interested in either the robes or music books, or have any questions, email St. Timothy's HERE.

Corrections in the last issue (September 12): The date of the header photo showing damage by Hurricane Lowell should have been September 8, not 7; the QR code for disaster donations shown in the Bishop's Corner was correct but the clicked link was in error. We are sorry for any inconvenience.

OPPORTUNITIES

ORDAINED POSITION OPENINGS:

(Visit the Diocesan website HERE for more information.)

Part-time Vicar - Grace Episcopal Church, Ho'olehua, Moloka'i

LAY POSITION OPENINGS:

(Visit the Diocesan website HERE for more information.)

Part-time Director of Music - Trinity Episcopal By-the-Sea, Kihei, Maui

CONVENTION 58: October 16 -18, 2026 - 'Iolani School, Honolulu, O'ahu (Education Day, Convention Eucharist, Ka Ha'alele 'Ana farewell reception for Bishop Bob, Annual Meeting, and special Convention Evensong at The Cathedral on Sunday)
VETERAN'S DAY EVENSONG: November 11 - The Cathedral of St. Andrew, Honolulu, O'ahu
CONSECRATION & ORDINATION OF THE SIXTH BISHOP OF HAWAI'I: November 14, 2026, The Cathedral of St. Andrew, Honolulu, O'ahu, with Ke Kipa ‘Ana Welcome Reception to follow

ISLAND HAPPENINGS

Visit the Diocese's Community Calendar page HERE for ongoing activities in your neighborhood.

AT THE CATHEDRAL...

THE CATHEDRAL HAS RETURNED TO 3 SERVICES!

We have returned to the regular service schedule (7am, 8am, 10am).

THIS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27: AT THE MOVIES

Our Series continues on September 27, at noon in the Von Holt room, where we will watch Sacred Alaska.

DONATIONS MADE TO GREAT COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS! Archdeacon Steve Costa arranged for donated bedding and household items to be given to community organizations like IHS and Mutual Aid Lahui. Items included air mattresses, sleeping bags, pillows, and towels.

The Cathedral of St. Andrew: 229 Queen Emma Square, Honolulu, HI 96813

www.cathedralhawaii.org

O'AHU: The Rev. Brian Rallison Celebrates "New" Ministry

On Friday, September 18, 2026, the Parish of St. Clement celebrated the new ministry of their rector, the Rev. Brian Rallison. Rallison was originally called as their priest-in-charge since March 1, 2024, and has since been named rector.

In a post on social media, St. Clement's shared his words of gratitude:

I am profoundly grateful that God has called me to serve as your Rector. But even more, I am grateful that God has called us to serve together. May we continue striving to love as Jesus loves. May our doors remain open. May our table remain wide. May our keiki flourish. May our ministries serve our neighbors. And may everyone who comes among us know, without question, that no matter who they are, no matter where they come from, they are welcome.

I love this ʻohana, and I am deeply blessed to be your Rector.

You can view more photos and video clips of the service on their Facebook page HERE.

DUE TO HURRICANE NOLO'S IMPENDING APPROACH TO THE ISLANDS, PLEASE BE SURE TO CHECK WITH CHURCHES ABOUT EVENTS COMING UP THIS WEEKEND AND BEYOND, ESPECIALLY ON HAWAI'I ISLAND AND MAUI.

COMING UP!

Reminder: The Hawaiian Church Chronicle goes out on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month. For inclusion in this "COMING UP!" section, churches should submit event graphics to Diocesan Communications HERE by the Monday before release date.

O'AHU HIGHLIGHT:

The Renewal of Ministry

The Rev. Katie Nakamura Rengers

Saturday, October 3, 2026 10:00 a.m.

St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church

CANCELLED! SEPTEMBER 26

St. John's, 8992 Kula Highway, Kula, Maui

THIS SATURDAY! SEPTEMBER 26

Trinity By-the-Sea, 100 Kulanihakoi St., Kihei, Maui

OCTOBER 9 & 10

St. Clement's, 1515 Wilder Ave., Honolulu, O'ahu

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10

Emmanuel, 780 Keolu Drive, Kailua, O'ahu

ONGOING THROUGH OCTOBER 16

St. Augustine's, 54-3801 Akoni Pule Hwy, Kapaau, Hawai'i Island

THROUGH OCTOBER 31

St. Clement's School, 1515 Wilder Ave., Honolulu, O'ahu

NEW DATE! SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7

St. Augustine's, 54-3801 Akoni Pule Hwy, Kapaau, Hawai'i Island

USHER IN TRAINING!

They start 'em young at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Kailua. This young girl is already learning the ropes of the usher! (Photo from Emmanuel's weekly e-news)

The Episcopal Church & Beyond...

Province VIII’s creation care conference to address regional climate issues, center Indigenous voices

(9/23/26) Episcopalians from the church’s Province VIII will gather Sept. 25-27 at the Episcopal Retreat & Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, for its inaugural Creation Care Network Conference to learn about building climate resilience, how to reduce fossil fuel dependency and more. READ MORE

(Photo: Community Seed Exchange via Facebook)

Reminders (Previously Announced)

Ho'imi Pono Training for your Congregation! Ready to schedule Anti-Racism training for your church leadership, clergy, vestry, and Bishop's Committee? Contact Mary Carpenter HERE or call 808-221-4367

Required Safe Church Training - This is a reminder that Safe Church training is mandatory for all clergy, employees, vestry members, and most volunteers. Please read The Episcopal Diocese of Hawai‘i Safeguarding Policy and the Diocesan Safe Church Training Webpage. This training needs to be renewed every three years. Contact your church's Safe Church Administator or priest for more information, or if you have questions, email Nani Carroll.