May 14, 2026

THIS SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2026

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CONVENTION TO ELECT THE

SIXTH BISHOP OF THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF HAWAI'I

Tune into the livestream at 9:30 a.m.~ Details further below!
Pictured above are your candidates for bishop, the Rev. Canon Andrew J. Arakawa, the Rev. Timothy J. Yanni, and the Rev. Elizabeth "Libby" Berman. Learn more about them on the Bishop Search & Transition webpage HERE and tune in this Saturday to watch the entire election!

Seventh Sunday of Easter

O God, the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: Do not leave us comfortless, but send us your Holy Spirit to strengthen us, and exalt us to that place where our Savior Christ has gone before; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

IN THIS ISSUE:

FEATURE STORIES

Beyond Words: Expanding the Idea of the Sermon

(A featured article from Growing in Grace)

REGULAR FEATURED SECTIONS:

Bishop's Corner - A Reflection on Transitions: The Rev. Canon Sandy Graham & the Very Rev. Heather Patton-Graham; Visitations: From the Valley Isle to 'Aiea; Perspectives from Taiwan; Trinity Sunday: In Support of Our Camp

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPCOMING:

Bishop Search & Transition - This Saturday: Election of a New bishop!
Coming Up: Tomorrow! Sung Evening Compline at The Cathdral - See what's happening around the Diocese!

THE BISHOP'S CORNER

A Reflection on Transitions

My dear Siblings in Christ Jesus,

There are times that life does not go as you plan. As we look to elect the sixth Bishop of Hawaiʻi this coming Saturday, we received the notice that Dean Heather Patton-Graham has answered the call to become the senior chaplain at St. Christopher’s School, Richmond, Virginia. I do pray for her as she returns full-time to her vocation as a school chaplain.

This, of course, means that Canon Sandy Graham will be moving to Virginia and will, therefore, resign as Canon to the Bishop. This is a keen loss for the Diocese. I am particularly saddened not to have Sandy with me for my last months as Bishop Diocesan.

The role of Canon to the Bishop (sometimes called “Canon to the Ordinary”) is very special. I often joke that it is like being the Godfather’s consigliere. The Canon serves as the Bishop’s advisor and sounding board. The Canon is often called upon to step into difficult situations. The Canon often holds the concerns of clergy and congregations. The Canon is the advisor and guide during transitions. Finally, the Canon must step back and allow the Bishop to step forward. It takes a special person to serve as the Canon to a Bishop.

Sandy has done so faithfully and well for the past ten years. He knows the Diocese better than anyone – dare I say – except for me. He has guided many congregations in search processes for clergy. This is no easy task in our times of a clergy shortage.

We cannot overlook Sandy's valiant efforts on Maui when the 2023 fires destroyed the town of Lahaina and Holy Innocents Church along with it. For over a year, he flew over regularly to provide pastoral care and lead services from members' homes, and later at their current temporary worship site in Napili. He retrieved church records and artifacts from the ash and rubble, blessed the site dressed in a Tyvek suit, joined with Maui clergy, community groups, disaster and local officials, as the island struggled to recover. The care he provided to members who lost so much has been invaluable.

He has been called upon to help congregations in distress. This has been especially true this past year at St. Elizabeth’s Church, Honolulu, the first incorporated Parish in our Diocese to ever be made an Aided Parish by action of the Standing Committee and Bishop.

I named Sandy Priest-in-Charge as new wardens and members of the Vestry were appointed. He brought calm to a congregation in conflict. He has guided them through a reordering of the finances. He has affirmed the outreach ministries while providing pastoral care to all the members. He has essentially held down two full-time ministries serving both the Diocese and the congregation. His efforts have been heroic.

In the months ahead, I will sorely miss his counsel and calm presence. I will miss having a clergy friend down the hall with whom to talk. I will not have a Canon to consult or lean on. Sandy, you will be missed.

Between their vacation already planned for June and Dean Heather’s new ministry at a school scheduled to begin in July, there will not be much time to say aloha.

There will be a special farewell service for both Canon Sandy and Dean Heather on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 6:30 PM, in the Cathedral of St. Andrew, Honolulu. If you are on Oʻahu, I do hope you will join us.

I also encourage you to contact or write Sandy directly to share your aloha and mahalo.

READ BISHOP'S FULL MESSAGE HERE

In case you missed it, read the Bishop's Special Message dated May 11, 2026, HERE. regarding Dean Heather Patton-Graham's new call in Virginia.

Aloha to Dean Heather and Canon Sandy

~ A heartfelt message from the Rev. Alison Dingley.

I am among those sad at the loss of Dean Heather Patton-Graham and Canon Sandy Graham to our diocese. There will be many tributes offered as we celebrate their ministries among us and bid them aloha. Dean Heather’s impact on the life and ministry of the Cathedral of St. Andrew will be remembered for years to come. I would like to share my appreciation for Canon Sandy’s ministry, particularly as I recently witnessed it at St. Elizabeth’s Church. READ MORE

Bishop's Visitations: From the Valley Isle to 'Aiea

On Sunday, April 26, 2026, the Bishop headed to the Valley Isle of Maui to visit with folks at the Diocese's most unique church, Trinity By-the-Sea, where folks worship in an open-air sanctuary. The original church was built in 1852, but by 1900, was left vacant for decades after a rebellion, fire and flood destroyed the outer structure. Today, the drier south shore weather of Kihei accommodates the outdoor venue that is popular with visitors. Pictured above, the Rev. Amy Crowe managed to get everyone into a group photo with the Bishop, and below, a pew view of the Bishop and their iconic cross; Deacon Kalani Holokai with Mother Amy, Bishop, Bea, and Amy's son who served as acolyte; a beautiful cake for Bishop Bob and Bea's last official Visitation to Trinity. (Contributed photos)

Then on Sunday, May 3, the Bishop visited St. Timothy's Church in 'Aiea, O'ahu, where he dedicated their new piano, made possible by a donation from Dr. Ernie and Carol Takafuji. Pictured below, the Rev. Peter Wallace captures a selfie with the Bishop, and later, Bishop got a selfie with members during the reception (center photo). At far right Rev. Peter made sure to celebrate Bishop and Bea's 44th wedding anniversary with prayer and cake cutting! (Photos: St. Timothy's Facebook page)

Perspectives from Taiwan

The Bishop recently returned from a five-day visit to Taiwan, where he attended the Special Convention to elect their next bishop. The Rev. Keith Chen-Cheng Lee, Rector of Good Shepherd Church, Taipei, was elected bishop on the fourth ballot, held at the Taiwan Diocesan Convention on Saturday May 9, 2026. The three-day event included the Opening Convention Eucharist where Bishop Bob delivered the sermon. He is pictured above next to Bishop Lennon Yuan-Rung Chang at that service, and below left delivering the homily. Bishop Bob and Bishop Chang have developed a strong bond over the years, and are now both going through similar experiences of a bishop election.

Interestingly, one major difference he noted was that voting for a bishop there requires the reading and tabulating of each ballot out loud, straight from the ballot boxes. It does provide for complete transparency but is time-consuming. The Diocese of Hawai'i began using online electronic voting several years ago and it has saved a tremendous amount of time (and paper)! Pictured above center is Bishop with his translator during the meeting, Professor Annie Tsai. At right, he is pictured with the Bishop-Elect Keith Lee, and Bishop Chang.

"I was blessed to be an observer as the Episcopal Diocese of Taiwan elected the Rev. Keith Lee to be their next Bishop. It was a gracious and Spirit-filled event,' said Bishop Bob in a post on social media.

(Photos from the Taiwan Episcopal Church Facebook page)

Trinity Sunday: In Support of Our Camp

Beginning in 2015, the Diocese of Hawaiʻi began setting aside Trinity Sunday of every year as a time to collect a special offering to support Camp Mokuleʻia. This year, Trinity Sunday is on May 31st, and I write to encourage you to use this opportunity to support this valuable ministry of the Diocese.

Your financial support at this time would be a particular blessing to our Camp following the heavy rains and flooding this past March. While much has been done, there is still more work to do for a full recovery. READ FULL LETTER

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.

FEATURE STORY

A Growing in Grace featured article

Beyond Words: Expanding the Idea of the Sermon

By Kathy Webb & The Rev. Jennifer Masada

As we gather each Sunday, how do we share our spiritual thoughts in words spoken aloud? Do we carry those words into the world? In turn, do we allow the world to transform us as we seek to offer our thoughts, words, and deeds as true expressions of divine love? Especially in these times, what does it mean to be a church community that fully embodies Christ’s message?

Several congregations in our diocese were invited to explore such questions by participating in a pilot of the Preaching Congregations Initiative (PCi), a yearlong program created by Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS). READ MORE

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE DIOCESE

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

Special Meeting of Convention of The Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i

THIS SATURDAY: ELECTION OF A NEW BISHOP!

It has been nearly two decades since the Diocese of Hawai'i went through the process of electing a new bishop, and this Saturday, May 16, 2026, clergy and your elected delegates to Convention will do just that! It is a historic moment in the life of our Diocese that will take place on the campus of 'Iolani School in their new Arrillaga Student Center.

WATCH IT LIVE ONLINE!

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m.and will be livestreamed on several sites that include:

The Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i website:

www.episcopalhawaii.org

The Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/EpiscopalDioceseHawaii/

The Cathedral of St. Andrew's YouTube page:

https://www.youtube.com/@cathedralhawaii/streams

The Cathedral of St. Andrew's LIVE page:

www.cathedralhawaii.org/live

The Cathedral of St. Andrew's Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/cathedralhawaii

We encourage everyone to go to the Bishop Search & Transition webpage HERE where you will find information on the three candidates, the Diocesan Profile, the Special Meeting of Convention information & Workbook, recordings of all the The Ke Aloha Kākou Meet and Greet sessions, news links and more!

VOTING CLERGY AND DELEGATES:

Come prepared & ARRIVE ON TIME!

Make sure to watch the two videos posted on a dropdown box under the Special Meeting of Convention section with important information about the check-in process and run down of what will happen during and after the election. To watch those videos now, click on the images below:

EMERGENCY NUMBER: If your flight is delayed or there is some other unforeseen cirumstance that may cause a delay, call the special meeting emergency number (808) 846-6696 BEFORE 9:00 a.m. They will take your info and consult with the Bishop. DO NOT TEXT! THIS NUMBER DOES NOT RECEIVE TEXTS!

CATCH UP ON IMPORTANT EMAILS: All voting clergy and delegates should be receiving important updates via email directly from Rae Costa (rcosta@episcopalhawaii.org). Check your inbox, clutter, and trash folders. The latest diocesan-wide emails (news@episcopalhawaii.org) are listed below:

BISHOP'S SPECIAL LETTER - If you haven't already done so, please be sure to read the Bishop's Special Letter that went out on March 26, 2026, that contains a wealth of advice, information and wisdom, as we prepare to elect a new bishop. Click HERE to read it now.

QUICK LINKS TO THE BISHOP SEARCH & TRANSITIONS WEBPAGE:

Please see the Featured Stories section for "Beyond Words: Expanding the Idea of the Sermon."

Kahuaola takes a break this issue. If you would like to learn more visit the Kahuaola webpage HERE or send your church's Creation Care stories to Communications HERE.

OPPORTUNITIES

ORDAINED POSITION OPENINGS:

(Visit the Diocesan website HERE for more information.)

Full-time Priest-in-Charge/Rector - St. Christoper's Episcopal Church, Kailua, O'ahu
Part-time Vicar - Grace Episcopal Church, Ho'olehua, Moloka'i

LAY POSITION OPENINGS:

(Visit the Diocesan website HERE for more information.)

Part-time Church Office Administrator - Lutheran Church of Honolulu, O'ahu (Note: The Episcopal Church and ELCA are in a relationship of full communion.)

SPECIAL MEETING OF CONVENTION TO ELECT THE 6TH BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE OF HAWAI'I: Saturday, May 16 - 'Iolani School More info HERE.
BISHOP'S FAREWELL TOURS: June 6 - August 22 - Final schedule coming soon
DIOCESAN CLERGY CONFERENCE: August 24-26, 2026 - Lihue, Kaua'i

ISLAND HAPPENINGS

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

AT THE CATHEDRAL...

This Friday, May 15, 2026, 6:30 p.m.

Sung Compline

A time for prayer, reflection, meditation, deep peace... ALL ARE WELCOME!

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

www.cathedralhawaii.org

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.

BEGINNING JUNE 13

Emmanuel, 780 Keolu Drive, Kailua, O'ahu

JUNE 19 & 20

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

ONGOING 1ST SUNDAYS

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

ONGOING WEDNESDAYS

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

ONGOING THURSDAYS

St. Augustine's, 54-3801 Akoni Pule Hwy, Kapa'au, Hawai'i

The Episcopal Church & Beyond...

Keith Chen-Cheng Lee elected seventh bishop of Taiwan

[May 11, 2026] The Episcopal Diocese of Taiwan elected the Rev. Keith Chen-Cheng Lee, rector of Good Shepherd Church, Taipei, as its seventh bishop on May 9, 2026, at the diocesan convention held at a Roman Catholic retreat center in Taichung. READ MORE

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.