When COVID-19 reached our shores and the March order for a lockdown went into effect, the news was beyond devastating. Looking back on those early days of fear and uncertainty, decisions were being made on the fly and life for many was put on hold, including church life.

For youth ministry in the Diocese, it couldn't have come at a worse time. March 20 would have been the Diocese's first major youth event of its kind. The youth retreat, "One Body," was to be held at Camp Mokule'ia, bringing in Jesse Villegas, Canon for Youth and Young Adult Ministries in the Diocese of Arizona, and worship leader, Thomas Toole. It was a critical benchmark for the Diocese's Youth Design Team since its formation in October 2019, and the cancellation was a huge blow to the months of visioning and planning to revitalize youth ministry in the Diocese.  READ FULL ARTICLE

Churches who have not submitted photos of those that have passed during the past year (from your Necrology Report), please do so no later than October 10 to be included in the Convention presentation. Email photos to Communications.

On Sept. 11, 2020, Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick, along with the 'Iolani School chaplains, leaders, and faculty, gathered on the Lower School campus for the formal blessing of the new Kaneshiro Science and Innovation Center, and the Sidney and Minnie Kosasa Performance Studios and Courtyard. After the formal portion of the ceremony the Bishop and Chaplain Andrew Arakawa went through the buildings to bless each room. Construction next to the Kindergarten-First Grade Community was completed over the summer. To view a video of the blessing, visit the 'Iolani School website HERE.

[September19, 2020] The late John Fitzgerald Kennedy once said, “while on earth God’s work must truly be our own.”

The sacred cause of liberty and justice, dignity and equality decreed by God and meant for all has been advanced because while on earth Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg made God’s work her own. Because of her the ancient words of the prophet Micah to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God have found fulfillment. May we follow in her footprints. May she rest in the arms of the God who is love and the author of true justice.

Rest In Peace Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Shalom.

The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry

Presiding Bishop and Primate

The Episcopal Church

The Episcopal Evangelism Grants Program is designed to grow Episcopal ministries, resources and gatherings, - new and established- both local and regional, that energize the Church to boldly and fearlessly share and celebrate the Good News of Jesus Christ. The Grants Committee will consider proposals for up to $2,000 for an individual congregation and up to $8,000 for multi-church, diocesan, provincial, and other regional collaborations.

For more information and to view a 12-minute video on the Episcopal Evangelism Grants Program, visit their webpage HERE.

Registration is now open for the New Community 2020 Virtual Conference, hosted by The Episcopal Church Department of Ethnic Ministries, October 30-31, 2020. The theme is "Weaving Our Diversity and Forming Life-Giving Relationships for the New Reality."

This gathering of Asian, Black, Latino/Hispanic and Indigenous clergy and lay leaders provides a safe place to explore mission in ethnic ministries, share resources and best practices, hopes and dreams, needs and concerns, gifts and ministries, suffering and joy.

The conference will include plenary sessions and workshops addressing current issues as well as ethnic-specific meetings, inter-ethnic and cross-cultural conversations. For more info and to register, click HERE.

Hawai‘i Children & Youth Day happens on the first Sunday of October each year to celebrate and honor our children and youth, and the special contributions they make to our community. This year's 27th Annual Children & Youth Day will be a virtual event happening on Sunday, October 4, 2020, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Check with your church to see if they are planning anything special for this event. For more information and to register, click HERE or on the flyer.

"I am so grateful for the time I had at St. Peter's. I learned so much from Diane, and was gifted with her as a mentor. The community has been gracious and kind to me, and I have truly loved the time we have spent together. I am also so excited to move on to St. John's! I feel the promptings of the Spirit in leading me there, and I feel the willingness the community has to be led by that same Spirit. I think God has wonderful things to do in Ma'ili! Bree and I are looking to move to Ma'ili, to truly be a part of the community there. We love to garden, and would love to have chickens - so St. John's is as much about a call to put down roots as a (soon to be) married couple as it is about a call to serve the people of the church."

On Sunday, September 13, 2020, Holy Nativity in ‘Āina Haina celebrated the formal beginning of their ministry with the Rev. Elizabeth "Libby" Berman, with Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick presiding. Although she has been serving there since early January, the pandemic forced the delay and cancellation of many events in the Diocese (including her Celebration of New Ministry) as churches explored ways to adapt. This celebration went virtual but was no less joyful. Berman expressed her gratitude to all in a poignant letter that appeared in the church e-news. In closing she shared:

"I am very honored that you called me to be your rector. I pledge my best to you in the days ahead, as we seek to strengthen the bonds between our church and school, invite more people into our fellowship of faith and love, and deepen our commitment to God, here on this beautiful island. May God bless us richly in this new time of our work and ministry together!" -- Rev. Libby

This Sunday, September 27, 5:30 PM, join the clergy and choir, with friends of the Cathedral for our first Evensong of the program year as we mark the season of Michaelmas and honor the feast day of St. Michael and All Angels. Complete with hymn and anthems, our Evensong offering marks our Cathedral's as-full-as-we-can return to our new reality as a community, as we continue to care for each other and our neighbors and maintain our distance.

For those far away, join us on The Cathedral Facebook page.

Ina Young, the Music Director and Organist at St. Christopher's in Kailua, is working on a special Christmas project that would involve a virtual choir, and invites all interested persons to contact her. In an email, she shared the following:

Once completed, Ina plans to share a downloadable version for every church that wishes to use it. You can view a sample of Ina's compilation on YouTube HERE. For more information and details click HERE and select Ina Young.

All Saints' Episcopal Church in Kapa'a will be hosting a virtual two-day workshop with Ricky Melchior, on "Understanding the Psycho-Social Dynamics of Communication for Effective Church Ministry and Leadership." Melchior was one of the guest speakers at the Diocese's Renewal event in 2019 with Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. The two-day workshop will take place on Saturday, October 17, from 8:30 AM-12:30 PM, and then again on Saturday, November 14, at the same time. This workshop is open to all Kaua'i residents. For more information and to register, contact Carolyn Morinishi HERE.

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s latest book, “Love Is the Way,” was released on Sept. 22, and like his 2018 book, “The Power of Love,” it emphasizes Christian teachings, particularly Jesus’ command to love one’s neighbor, as a powerful force for unity and healing in a troubled world. READ MORE

Prominent faith leaders are condemning the apprehension of an undocumented immigrant on church grounds by federal officials, arguing the action violates a government policy that discourages agents from raiding “sensitive locations” such as churches, hospitals and schools. READ MORE

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, in an opening sermon for the Sept. 16 online meeting of the House of Bishops, urged Episcopalians to vote in the upcoming elections and to “encourage others to vote as their conscience leads them.” And he affirmed that The Episcopal Church’s positions on political issues, though nonpartisan, should not be confused with “moral neutrality.” READ MORE

STAY-CAYS AT CAMP MOKULE'IA: Camp Mokule'ia's fall "Stay-Cay" packages are filling up fast! There are only a couple of weekends still available: October 23-25, and November 13-15. It's a wonderful way to escape the confines of the pandemic and enjoy all the great outdoor activities the Camp has to offer in a safe and friendly environment. Package prices include meals and activities. To learn more, click on the flyer at left, or visit the Camp Mokule'ia website HERE.

YOUTH WEEKLY COMPLINE SERVICE: Fr. Jar Pasalo, the Diocese's Youth and Young Adult Missioner, has launched a weekly LIVE Compline on the Episcopal Youth of Hawaii Facebook Group page. All are invited to join in every Thursday at 8:00 PM. All sessions are available for viewing on the page if you miss it. If you are interested in assisting/leading Compline, contact Fr. Jar HERE.

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS! Hurricane season runs through November. Be prepared and make sure your 14-day emergency supplies are in place. For more information visit the State of Hawai'i's Emergency Management webpage HERE.

PALAKA FACE MASKS FOR SALE: Don't forget to order your palaka face mask from the Good Shepherd Women in Ministry for only $5 each plus postage. All sales benefit their outreach ministries. Place your order via contact form HERE, and mail your check to 2140 Main St., Wailuku, HI 96793.

The Presiding Bishop’s delegation to the 64th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW 64) invites all to join the online study group Beijing +25: Celebrating the Blessing, Realizing the Dream This series of webinars, blogs and conversations are facilitated by the delegates from July through November 2020. To download the schedule, click HERE. For more information and to register, click HERE.