PRAY FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA: Episcopal Church, 2 rectories destroyed by deadly fast-moving wildfires raging in Southern California

[Episcopal News Service] An Episcopal church in Altadena, California, and two rectories in Pacific Palisades are among the more than 1,000 structures that have been destroyed Jan. 8 by a series of wind-fueled California wildfires, which continue to devastate communities across Los Angeles County.

READ MORE

A Note from the Bishop: A Diocesan Customary

Aloha my dear Siblings in Christ,

Among the many things on the Diocesan website there is page entitled Forms and Documents with extensive information. Under the heading “Sacrament,” you can find A Diocesan Customary. This is filled with details about liturgical norms, information about visitations, expectations of clergy, and other items.

While the whole document might be helpful in understanding some practical aspects of being in the Episcopal Church, there are two items which I want the whole Diocese to consider. I share these because they are “hot” topics within the Episcopal Church. As your Bishop, I want you to know my understanding on these two matters:

READ FULL MESSAGE HERE

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.

The recent passing of Canon Bettye Jo Harris at age 90 is a moment for the Diocese of Hawai'i to reflect on the generation that provided leadership in the Diocese in the latter decades of the 20th Century. Bettye was a champion for responsible citizenship in the Hawai'i community on many issues, especially quality health care for all. She lived out her baptismal vows through her parish life at St. Christopher’s, her years on Diocesan Council, and her leadership as a deputy in the wider church to General Conventions spanning some 27 years. She was grounded in her local Church, mindful of community needs throughout the Diocese, and an advocate for justice through the legislative process of General Convention and her two terms on Executive Council. Her tireless advocacy leaves a legacy that impacts the life of the Diocese today. READ MORE

National Association of Episcopal Schools: Let Your Light Shine!

By the Rev. Canon Sandy Graham

The National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES) may have a self-explanatory title, but when they call a gathering every other year, it becomes clear that the whole breadth of the Episcopal Church will be on display. Educators, staff, administrators, clergy, and diocesan-level workers gather for a week of idea-sharing, fellowship, workshops and inspiring plenaries. READ MORE

Clergy Transitions...

Aloha 'Oe Mother Jodene

Clergy in the Diocese are invited to attend a "pilgrimage" on O'ahu, February 11-13, 2025. Lodging will be at the St. Anthony Retreat Center, the site of numerous Diocesan gatherings prior to Covid. Its lush and tranquil surroundings will set the tone for a very special gathering.  

Some of the activities will include visiting the massive ‘Umeke Lā'au project with Meleanna Meyer, before it opens at Honolulu Hale; viewing local films and meeting the filmmakers, a visit to 'Iolani Palace, and exploration of the plantation roots of so many of our Hawai'i community. For more information and to register, click HERE. If you have any questions, email Canon Sandy Graham.

All Annual Meetings for churches in the Diocese must take place during the month of January, and the required Church Officials and Certificate of Election form must be filed online by Monday, February 24, 2025, 4:00 PM. Operations Manager, Rae Costa, recently sent out an email (January 2, 2025) to all clergy, wardens, treasurers and church administrators with helpful information and forms to prepare for your annual meetings. There will also be two online Q&A sessions with DSC staff to answer your questions on the following dates:

• THIS SATURDAY! January 11, 9:00 AM
• Wednesday, January 15, 12:00 PM

Church leadership, if you did not receive the email with the informational documents and link to register for the sessions, contact Rae via email HERE or call her at (808) 536-7776, ext. 326.

Seabury Hall on Maui has announced that Mr. Nicholas "Nick" Rodriguez will be their next Head of School beginning July 1, 2025. Mr. Rodriguez has served as the Head of School at Corbett Preparatory School of IDS in Tampa, Florida, and has held key leadership roles, including Head of School at Brandon Academy and Assistant Head of School and Director of Advancement at Carrollwood Day School, in Tampa, Florida. He is an exceptional administrator with a distinguished educational background, and his leadership is fueled by a deep passion for doing what is best for students. He is deeply aligned with Seabury Hall’s mission and values, and we have every confidence that he will be a strong steward of our unique culture as he leads Seabury Hall into an exciting future.

The Association for Episcopal Deacons (AED) will be holding their triennial conference, Ignite Change, in San Antonio, Texas, June 5-8, 2025. The keynote speaker will be Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe, and will feature over 30 guest speakers leading a variety of workshops. For more information and to register, click HERE.

The latest installment in the Retired Clergy Families Talk Story Project is now posted on the Diocesan website HERE. In this posting, we celebrate the life of the Rev. Canon David Kennedy and his wife Anna Marie, written by the Rev. Canon Frank Chun. It also includes memories by their son and the Homily delivered by the Rev. Canon Brian Grieves at their Memorial Service, held on September 22, 2024, at The Cathedral of St. Andrew..

Also newly posted is the Homily by the Rev. David Gierlach, written about the Rev. Jodene Hawkins, who passed away on October 30, 2024. Her service was recently held at Good Shepherd Maui, that is shown further above in this issue. The Talk Story Project is a (growing) collection of stories from Diocesan-related retired clergy, spouses, widows and their families.

Reminder About Phishing Scams

As we head into 2025, we remind everyone to remain alert about the relentless phishing attacks that may appear in your emails and text messages. ALWAYS be wary of messages with sources from unfamiliar email addresses and phone numbers (not just the name showing). We continue to get reports of folks receiving "fake" messages from clergy (including the Bishop). Attackers are becoming more and more sophisticated, so it is important to remain vigilant, making sure your emails and texts are from a trusted source, and questioning the content of suspicious messages, especially if it's asking for money, service or assistance. NEVER click on links in suspicious messages, and when in doubt, always double check with the "real sender" directly.

Racial Reconciliation Task Force Welcomes New Members!

The Racial Reconciliation Task Force is currently welcoming new members to join this dynamic and involved committee. We are now shifting our focus from curriculum development to actively fostering opportunities for reconciliation to flourish! For more information, click on the image or download the informational flyer HERE, or email Joseph Eppink or Mary Carpenter.

Coming Up January 25!

Kupuna & Caregiver Resource Fair

Registration is now open for the Kupuna and Caregiver Resource Fair by Hale Hau'oli Hawai'i. The event will be taking place at The Cathedral of St. Andrew's Von Holt Room, Saturday, January 25, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Doors open at 8:30 AM. The keynote speaker will be Dorothy Arriola Colby, a dementia care specialist with more than 25 years of professional and personal experience. For more information, download the event flyer by clicking on the image or HERE.

Jimmy Carter remembered by grandsons, friends, President Biden at National Cathedral funeral

Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe officiates at service for 39th president

[January 9, 2025] Family members, friends, former colleagues, members of Congress and all five living U.S. presidents gathered Jan. 9 to pay tribute to former President Jimmy Carter, who was mourned at his state funeral held at Washington National Cathedral, the landmark Episcopal cathedral in the nation’s capital city. READ MORE

Q&A: Bishop Carol Gallagher looks back on 35 years of service in dioceses across the church

Compiling a concise biography for Bishop Carol Gallagher can be a daunting task. She has been active in ordained ministry for so long – 35 years – and served in so many dioceses and in so many capacities that the highlights make up no short list. READ MORE

TENS WEBINAR: FINDING YOUR STEWARDSHIP LOVE LANGUAGE The Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS) will be offering a webinar on Saturday, February 15, 2025, beginning at 7:00 AM (HST). As a member of TENS, the Diocese can offer these webinars free to its churches. Understanding our love languages provides insights into how we think about sharing our gifts and receiving information about giving opportunities. Learn how to inspire your members with new tools and strategies for annual pledge campaigns. Click HERE to register.