This issue's header photo was taken in front of the Holy Innocent's columbarium in Lahaina, Maui, where the Rev. Hau'oli Tomoso led a blessing at their Hale Aloha Cemetery on May 15. Read more about the gathering under the Featured Stories section further below. Pictured from left: Erin (whose wife is interred in the columbarium), Adriana, James Crowe, the Rev. Amy Crowe with daughter Alice, the Rev. Hau'oli Tomoso, Ralph Yanagawa (in back), Susan Tomoso, Leanna Roberts (who has been leading the clean-up effort), Diane Delos Reyes, Elle Cochran (member of Waiola Church & State Representative for West Maui), and Tamalani Kaleleiki from Waiola Church. (Photo: Kalani Holokai) | | |
Sixth Sunday of Easter
O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
| | May Travels & Visitations... | | As the Bishop Protector of the Society of St. Francis, Province of the Americas, the Bishop received the Life Profession of Brother Thomas Steffensen in the Chapel of the Sisters of the Community of St. Francis, San Francisco, during a trip in early May. (Photo: Diana Wheeler) | | At St. Christopher's Episcopal Church in Kailua, three were confirmed during the Bishop's Visitation on May 18. Here he is pictured with the newly confirmed and their families. (Photo: Bishop's Facebook page) | | The Bishop's Visitation to St. Paul's Church in Honolulu fell on Mother's Day, May 11, so along with a celebration of the newly confirmed, all the mothers at both services received a gift of lei. (Photo: Alfredo Evangelista from the Bishop's Facebook page; video screenshot) | | | | 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. | | Maui Recovery: Blessing & Prayers at the Holy Innocents' Hale Aloha Cemetery | | |
The slow and painstaking recovery from the brutal Maui wildfires two years ago, is seeing progress as both land and lives attempt to heal. For Holy Innocents Church members, the struggle is real, and although their official status was recently changed to a "preaching station," they faithfully gather for worship every Sunday at a site in Napili, and at other Maui Episcopal churches. Trinity By-the-Sea has welcomed them as a part of their 'ohana with seat on the Bishop's Committee.
On Thursday, May 15, 2025, Fr. Hau'oli Tomoso delivered commending and committal prayers at their historic Hale Aloha Cemetery for "the volunteers who gather weekly and with a keen and profound sense of stewardship and kūleana to clean and restore this enduring, sacred and consecrated place."
"It was a beautiful time," shared Kalani Holokai, the Diocese's Community Relations Coordinator on Maui. "Hau'oli brought us together, starting with silent reflection, then 'oli, prayers, and [blessing] with holy water." Holokai said it was intended to be an intimate gathering for volunteers and close community partners. A larger blessing is being planned for the fall with the wider community, hopefully when the roof of the columbarium and fence are replaced.
Pictured above, photos of the blessing from left: Fr. Hau'oli offers prayers; Mother Amy Crowe assists the blessing with holy water, and Kalani Holokai (second from left) with members of Holy Innocents, Adriana, Diane Delos Reyes, Ralph Yanagawa, and Leanna Roberts. Below, volunteers have been working hard to clean and maintain the cemetery that was buried under plant growth. (Photos: Kalani Holokai, Katy Shroder. S. Nishioka)
| | Chaplains to the Retired Clergy Families Attend Annual Conference | | Our very active Chaplains to the Retired Clergy Families headed to Arlington, Virginia, for the annual Church Pension Group Conference held May 6-9, 2025. While there, they met up with former Hawai'i residents. Above left, Dee Chang (widow of Bishop Richard Chang), poses with the Hawai'i team of the Rev. Heather Mueller, Norma Chun and the Rev. Canon Frank Chun. Dee was a fellow chaplain in Hawai'i before moving to Georgia, where she now serves as a Chaplain to Retired Clergy in that Diocese. At right, Fr. Chun caught up with John Whitlock and the Rev. Gaylord Hitchcock, formerly of St. Mark's in Honolulu. Both are presently the Chaplains for the Diocese of San Diego. (Photos contributed by Frank Chun) | | WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE DIOCESE | | Visit the Diocese's Calendar page HERE for Diocesan events & activities. | | |
Updates from your Standing Committee for May 22, 2025
As can be expected, it has been a busy time for both the Standing and Search Committees of our Diocese. Below are the updates we would like to share with you to keep you all informed on current developments. We plan to provide as much information as possible through this forum on a regular basis, which will also be posted to the Diocesan website HERE.
- The (Bishop) Search Committee has met virtually for a second time earlier this week. They are discussing how best to gather input from every person, group, community and congregation within our Diocese and pulling a plan together to do so. The initial goal is to write the Diocesan Profile.
- As the Search Committee is just beginning its formation and work, they will be unable to provide updates at this time. All three committees (Standing, Search, and Transitions) will be coming together in person to meet with the Rev. Anne Kitch, Bishop Search and Transitions Consultant, on June 21, for prayer, discernment, orientation, essential training, and preparatory work. Updates from the Search Committee will likely not be released until well after this meeting concludes. Comments and thoughts you’d like to share are welcome at this early stage, but may not be responded to until after the June meeting. See Update item 5 below for more information.
READ FULL UPDATE HERE
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REASONS TO CELEBRATE!
A number of folks in the Diocese had great reason to celebrate this month! Join us in wishing them heartfelt congratulations!
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Welcome to the World, Samuel Maluokalani Lloyd!
The Revs. Jazzy Bostock and Bree Lloyd welcomed their new baby boy, Samuel Maluokalani Lloyd, born Saturday, May 17, at 7:30 p.m. Samuel weighed in at 8 lbs, 15oz, and measured 21 inches long. Jazzy shared that Sam arrived two weeks after his predicted due date and has been teaching his moms so much about patience, convenience, and the value of time. Jazzy and Bree send their grateful thanks for all of the prayers and support! Congratulations to the happy family!
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Helen Mitsui: Our Newest Centenarian
Happy birthday to Helen Mitsui of Christ Memorial Episcopal Church in Kilauea, Kaua'i, who turned 100 years young on Saturday, May 17. She invited her Christ Memorial 'ohana to celebrate at her home. Helen, who has volunteered her time to manage the church's highly profitable thrift shop for over 40 years, was honored in 2013, when the shop was renamed the the Helen Mitsui Shared Blessings Thrift Shop (see article in the Garden Island newspaper). Hauoli Lahanau and Mahalo Helen!
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The Rev. Dcn. Erin Richardson-Severin Receives Prize
Congratulations to the Rev. Dcn. Erin Richardson-Severin on having been selected for The School of Theology Prize in Theology and Ethics at the University of the South. Erin is a graduating Senior who was recently ordained to the transitional diaconate on March 14, 2025, and will continue her journey to the priesthood. On Bishop Bob's Facebook page, he was clearly thrilled, stating "you make your Bishop proud!"
| | 'Iolani School Announces New Head of School | | |
Dr. Melinda Bihn has been unanimously appointed by the Board of Governors as ‘Iolani School’s next Head of School, effective with the 2026-27 academic year. This announcement makes Dr. Bihn the first woman in ‘Iolani School’s 162-year history to be appointed by the Board of Governors as Head of School.
Dr. Bihn is a passionate and accomplished educational leader who brings over 30 years of experience in independent and international schools. She currently serves as Head of School at The International School of San Francisco, where she has led a vibrant PK2–12 program of more than 1,000 students and 250 staff for the past 11 years.
| | | CONVENTION 57: Mark your calendars for a very special Education Day and get ready to "Huli ka lima i lalo!" | | All are invited to participate! | | The Diocese's HULI team kicks off its Summer Speaker Series this weekend for phase two of their year-long project on Creation Care. (See the Kahuaola section further below.) The third and final activity will take place during Convention 57's Education Day on Friday, October 24. After turning our minds (during Spring Training) and hearts (Summer Speaker Series) to mālama ʻāina, we now put our hands into action. Visit the Convention 57 Education Day webpage HERE to view the different opportunities to huli ka lima i lalo, and mālama ʻāina! More info to come! | |
Update: Big Island Scheduled for Addiction Awareness
The Rev. Dcn Bill Heran, PhD., a transitional deacon, brings the perfect combination of background, training, and teaching style to guide us in understanding amd recognizing signs of addictive use disorders, and how to support those affected. In-person workshops are taking place on each island, and the Big Island has just been added. Listed below are the remaining scheduled workshops. If you have any questions, email Canon Sandy Graham HERE.
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Kaua'i, Saturday, June 7, 10:00 AM-11:30 AM, All Saints' Church, 4-1061 Kuhio Hwy., Kapa'a. Click HERE for the informational flier, and HERE to register.
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Big Island, Saturday, June14, 10:00 AM-11:30 AM, St. James' Church, 65-1237 Kawaihae Rd, Kamuela. Click HERE for the informational flier, and HERE to register.
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Windward O'ahu, Saturday, June 21, 2:00 PM-3:30 PM, St. Christopher's Church, 93 N. Kainalu Dr, Kailua. Click HERE for the informational flier, and HERE to register.
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Honolulu, O'ahu, Saturday, July 5, 10:00 AM-11:30 AM, The Cathedral of St. Andrew, 229 Queen Emma Square, Honolulu. Click HERE for the informational flier, and HERE to register.
| | Editor's Note: Introducing "Growing in Grace" featuring articles by the Rev. Cn. Andrew Arakawa, the Diocese's Canon for Ministry Formation & Dean of Waiolaihui'ia Center for Ministry: | | Crickets and Courage: Finding Your Voice in the Circle | | |
Have you ever been at a gathering and there is a call for someone to open the meeting or event with a prayer – and then crickets? The awkward silence fills the space – for some, heart-rates jump and palms sweat. Finally, a voice (often a clergyperson) breaks the tension with an “I’ll do it.” There is an energetic sigh of relief.
The thinking is often that we should let the “professional” do it. I have had many heartfelt conversations with clergy who would love to see lay people feeling more comfortable leading prayer – they would welcome a variety of voices in the prayer space.
In the Catechism in our Book of Common Prayer, we are told that prayer is “responding to God, by thought and by deeds with or without words” (BCP 856). With this definition, it would be appropriate to stand in silence with one another as a form of prayer. Often, however, we benefit from guiding words that can help frame the time we are about to share with one another. READ MORE
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What's Happening at Camp Mokulē'ia...
Meet this year's camp counslors in this fun reel on social media: FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM
| | Summer Camp starts soon! There are still available spaces but register now before they fill up! | Summer Camp is right around the corner and you don't want to miss out on all the fun, action and adventure! Camp Mokulē'ia has a little bit of everything for all age groups. Adventure and fun is unlimited. Join us this summer and experience the wonder that is Camp Mokulē'ia. Click HERE for more info and to register. | | Save the date: September 11-14! | | SUMMER SPEAKER SERIES STARTS THIS SATURDAY, MAY 24! | |
The Diocese's Huli team kicks off its special online Summer Speaker Series this Saturday with Dr. Kamanamaikalani Beamer on the subject “Waiwai: Water and the Future of Hawaiʻi.” It's not too late to sign up and receive the Zoom link. Click HERE to register for one or all three of the summer series events that take place on Saturdays from 9:00 -11:00 AM. Click on the buttons further below for more information and to register. Also coming up are:
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July 26 - The Reverend Rachel Taber-Hamilton, a Shackan First Nation person and an Episcopal priest
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August 2 - Robin Wall Kimmerer. “What Does the Earth Ask of Us?”
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ORDAINED POSITION OPENINGS
(Visit the Diocesan website HERE for more information.)
- Full-time Priest-in-Charge/Rector - St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church, Honolulu, O'ahu
- Full-time Canon Vicar - St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Honolulu, O'ahu
LAY POSITION OPENINGS
(Visit the Diocesan website HERE for more information.)
| - Full-time Office Administrator - Christ Memorial Episcopal Church, Kilauea, Kaua'i
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HULI SUMMER SPEAKER SERIES (Virtual) - May 24, with Dr. Kamanamaikalani Beamer; July 26, with Rev. Rachel Taber-Hamilton, August 2, with Robin Wall Kimmerer
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ADDICTION AWARENESS WORKSHOPS - June 7, All Saints', Kapa'a, Kaua'i - Register HERE; June 14, St. James', Kamuela, Big Island - Register HERE; June 21, St. Christopher's, Kailua, O'ahu - Register HERE; July 5, The Cathedral of St. Andrew, Honolulu, O'ahu - Register HERE
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TALK STORY LISTENING SESSIONS WITH THE STANDING COMMITTEE - July 18-BIG ISLAND (EAST) TBA; July 19-BIG ISLAND (WEST) TBA; September 20-MAUI, Trinity By-the-Sea, Kihei
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CLERGY CONFERENCE: August 25-27, Grand Naniloa, Hilo HI - Register now!
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CONVENTION 57 (Education Day & Annual Meeting): October 24-25 - Save the date!
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Visit the Diocese's Community Calendar page HERE for ongoing activities in your neighborhood.
| | We look forward to welcoming the Samiweng youth choir to the Cathedral for a post-worship concert on Sunday, May 25, following our 10:00 a.m. Eucharist. Plan to linger and enjoy their beautiful singing. Click HERE to see the HNN story from their last visit in 2023! | | |
The Cathedral will be sponsoring a team for the Honolulu Aids Walk, Saturday, June 21, at Kapiolani Park. You may read more HERE or register to walk HERE. To Join our team, select
"The Cathedral of St. Andrew" where the sign-up says "Join or Start a Team." If walking on Saturday is not possible you can still support by serving as a volunteer or donate to this great cause! Please email the office HERE for more information.
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Sundays in June: Window Walk and Talk (9:15-9:45 AM)
Walk the Cathedral with Dean Heather+ and learn more about the stained glass windows, their stories, their memorial dedications, and their “mini me” window up above. We will gather at the pulpit each Sunday and go from there!
| | MAUI: A Cup of Cold Water (ACCW) Participates in Charity Walk | | |
For the first time in its existence, ACCW participated in the statewide Charity Walk hosted by the hospitality industry. Mahalo nui to Bonny Wilson, ACCW’s new part-time Manager of Administration and Operations, for getting ACCW admitted as a benefitting charity organization on Maui.
In 2025, the event raised $1.56 million for 68 nonprofit beneficiaries in Maui County. With the fundraising matched by the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association, it is estimated that ACCW will receive over $6,000 from participating in the event. The final number won’t be known until sometime in July.
"Imagine what we can do with more time to promote ACCW’s participation (in Charity Walk)!," said Chuck Spence, Treasurer for ACCW (and Charity Walk participant). "With more walkers and more donors next year, the fundraising can be exponentially higher, and we benefit from more visibility! Hope to see many more ACCW walkers in 2026."
The Charity Walk is part of a statewide initiative, with similar events held on Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi Island, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi. Since its inception, it has become Hawaiʻi’s largest single-day fundraising event by a nonprofit organization. On Maui, the event typically features a 2.5-mile walk, starting and ending at the War Memorial Special Events Arena in Wailuku. Participants enjoy entertainment, giveaways, and a complimentary breakfast after completing the course.
Pictured is the ACCW team of: (L-R) Susie Davis, Chuck Spence, Dr. Arleen Ricalde, Renae Miller, Bonny Wilson, Al Andrews, Thelma Tabon, and taking the photo is Bonny’s husband Mark Anderson, (Contributed story and photo from ACCW)
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MONDAY, MAY 25, 2025
All Saints', 4-1061 Kuhio Hwy., Kapa'a, Kaua'i
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FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2025
St. Clement's, 1515 Wilder Ave., Honolulu
| Ongoing last Fridays of May, July, September, & November in 2025 | |
O'AHU: Immigration Naturalization Workshop on May 29
The Interfaith Justice Alliance will be holding an Immigration Naturalization workshop on Thursday, May 29, at the Wahiawa United Methodist Church, 1445 California Avenue, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Professor Danicole Ramos from the William S. Richardson School of Law’s Refugee and Immigration Law Clinic will walk faith community leaders through a step-by-step of the naturalization process. For more information, download the flier HERE or click on the image. Please RSVP to Cathy Lowenberg, (808) 778-1786 (tex) or email cathymaila@gmail.com.
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SATURDAY, MAY 31, 2025
(St. Matthew Fundraiser) Kailua Mini Swap Meet, Emmanuel, 780 Keolu Dr., Kailua, O'ahu
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SATURDAY, MAY 31, 2025
St. Clement's, 1515 Wilder Ave., Honolulu
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JUNE 14, JULY 12, AUGUST 8
Emmanuel, 780 Keolu Dr., Kailua, O'ahu
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2ND & 4TH SATURDAYS
St. Matthew's, 41-054 Ehukai St., Waimanalo, O'ahu
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JUNE 19-22, 2025
St. Michael & All Angels, 4364 Hardy St., Lihue, Kaua'i - Click HERE for details
| DOES YOUR CHURCH HAVE AN EVENT TO SHARE? Send info and graphics to Communications HERE, and specify preferred posting timeline. The Hawaiian Church Chronicle is released on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month. Please submit no later than the Monday before release date. | | The Episcopal Church & Beyond... | |
Letter from Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe on Episcopal Migration Ministries
[May 12, 2025] Dear People of God in The Episcopal Church: I am writing today with some significant news about Episcopal Migration Ministries, the organization that leads The Episcopal Church’s refugee resettlement ministry.
Since January, the previously bipartisan U.S. Refugee Admissions Program in which we participate has essentially shut down. Virtually no new refugees have arrived, hundreds of staff in resettlement agencies around the country have been laid off, and funding for resettling refugees who have already arrived has been uncertain. Then, just over two weeks ago, the federal government informed Episcopal Migration Ministries that under the terms of our federal grant, we are expected to resettle white Afrikaners from South Africa whom the U.S. government has classified as refugees. READ FULL LETTER HERE
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MORE HEADLINE LINKS FROM
THE EPISCOPAL NEWS SERVICE:
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Reminders (Previously Announced)
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REGISTER NOW! ANNUAL CLERGY CONFERENCE ON THE BIG ISLAND - All clergy in the Diocese are invited to attend the annual Clergy Conference being held August 25-27, 2025, at the Grand Naniloa Hotel in Hilo, on the Big Island. We are delighted to have as our guest speaker, the Rev. Canon C. K. Robertson, Ph.D., who has served for many years as Canon to the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, as well as Distinguished Visiting Professor at General Theological Seminary. Special hotel group room rates have been secured. Visit the event webpage HERE for more information and to register.
| | Do you have a question? Contact us at (800) 536-7776 | | |
BISHOP (meeting with): Nani (ext. 302)
Annual Meeting: Rae (ext. 326)
Archives: Rae (ext. 326)
Budget/Finance: Jasmi (ext. 307)
Communications/News/Website: Sybil
Congregational Membership: Sandy (ext. 309)
TECH Portfolio/Investments: Jasmi (ext. 307)
Hiring/Human Resources: Rae (ext. 326)
Monthly Statement: Cammy (ext. 306)
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Ordination/Licensed Ministries: Nani (ext. 302)
Payroll: Jasmi (ext. 307)
Property (Contracts, Insurance, Agreements): Rae (ext. 326)
Safe Church: Nani (ext. 302)
Stewardship: Sandy (ext. 309)
Supply/Visiting Clergy: Nani (ext. 302)
Worship/Sacraments: Sandy (ext. 309)
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Don't forget to visit our FORMS & DOCUMENTS page on the Diocesan website HERE.
| | Catch up on articles you may have missed below! | |
Contact Information
The Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i
229 Queen Emma Square, Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 536-7776
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