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This issue's header photo was taken on Friday, March 14, 2025, at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Honolulu, where the Diocese welcomed its newest deacons, Erin Richardson Severin and Hannah Lee. They are pictured alongside the Bishop with their presenters, family and supporters. More photos and details can be found below in the Bishop's Corner and Feature Story section. (Photo from Diocesan Support Center)

Fourth Sunday in Lent

Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Bishop will be traveling and out of the office for most of March.

During this busy month of travel, the Bishop managed to fly home for a few days to attend a couple of very important events. He is pictured above left with the Diocese's newest transitional deacons who were ordained at St. Mark's on March 14. At left of the Bishop is Deacon Erin Richardson Severin, and at right Deacon Hannah Lee. Both are continuing their studies to become priests. At right, the Bishop Celebrated at Cecilia Fordham's funeral at St. Clement's in Honolulu. Cecilia is one of three women lay leaders who died in early January. (Photos from DSC and St. Clement Facebook page)

CELEBRATING BEGINNINGS & ENDINGS...

Meanwhile the Diocese said Aloha 'Oe to three remarkable women lay leaders in the Diocese during services in March. All three, Bettye Jo Harris, Cecilia Fordham, and Linda Akana Sproat, died during the first week of January, marking a very sad time in the life of the Diocese. All three worked tirelessly for the Church, their communities, and various organizations on the local, state, national and international levels. Their decades of faithful service and commitment as champions of justice and equality has had a profound impact in the Diocese. Pictured above left is Cecilia Fordham's service at St. Clement's in Honolulu, and at right, Linda Akana Sproat's service at Christ Memorial Church in Kilauea, Kaua'i, with husband David Sproat and daughters, Kapua, Nanea and Stacy. The service was followed by a luau at their home overlooking Kalihiwai Bay, where over four hundred gathered into the wee hours, celebrating a beloved soul. Unfortunately, we were unable to obtain photos of Harris' service. Aloha 'Oe faithful servants... Until we meet again...

IMPORTANT UPDATES & CHANGE TO SCHEDULE!

Final deadline to register is Sunday, March 30.

All are invited to attend the Diocese's Annual Chrism Mass & Spring Training event being held at The Cathedral of St. Andrew on Saturday, April 5, 2025. The day will begin at 9:00 AM with the Chrism Mass and Eucharist followed by Spring Training hosted by the Diocese's new Huli team, a collaborative effort involving three Diocesan ministries: Kahuaola (formerly the Creation Care and Environmental Justice Task Force), the Racial Reconciliation Task Force, and the Native Hawaiian Ministry Committee. This dynamic group will be offering events and activities throughout 2025 with a focus on "turning our hearts, minds and hands to the 'aina." Join them on this transformative journey to huli and carry on this important call and responsibility in the Diocese and world.

SCHEDULE CHANGES & UPDATES: There have been two big schedule changes in the afternoon sessions that could affect your plans. Please note the following:

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• * The second Hōkūleʻa Plenary and afternoon workshops have switched times. Guest speaker and Hōkūleʻa crew member Bonnie Kahapea-Tanner will be returning from a voyage earlier in the day and we want to be sure to accommodate her busy schedule.
• * The Beat! That! Heat! afternoon workshop game has been cancelled and will take place in a larger venue at 'Iolani School during Convention 57. Those who registered for that option may select from the other workshops that have unlimited attendance on the day of the event.
• * We are currently accommodating late registrants until Sunday, March 30, but there is a possibility that your lunch selection may not be available on the day of the event.

Hurry! Final Registration deadline is Sunday, March 30!

Scholarships and covered interisland airfare for two from each neighbor island church are available. Click on the buttons below to learn more or to register now.

This evening at 5:30 PM!

Second Immigration Rights Meeting at St. Elizabeth's - Available to view on Zoom

Today, Thursday, March 27, 2025, all are welcome to learn more about the legal landscape involving undocumented people in America, and to discuss a faith response to the current war on the undocumented. Last month, over 100 faith leaders, immigrants, community activists and lawyers came together at St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church in Honolulu, for the first meeting. The group plans to gather regularly to continue to learn how to respond, to assist green card holders with moving toward citizenship, and to live out God’s command that we care for the stranger and the migrant. Click HERE or on the image for the full-size flier with more information.

Tonight's gathering will be held at 5:30 PM St. Elizabeth's (720 N. King Street, Honolulu). The meeting will be shared on Zoom at the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83953148485

Social Justice: Father David Gierlach Shares Important Message, Why Christans Care About Immigrants

CLICK HERE TO READ. Leading the charge of the Diocese's newly revitalized Social Justice Task Force, is the Rev. David Gierlach. Fr. David was the Rector of St. Elizabeth's for many years until his retirement last year. He shares a very important message, and enoucorages all to join in the efforts to protect the most vulnerable. If you are interested in joining the Social Justice Task Force and efforts like these immigration gatherings, please email HERE, or call Fr. David at (808) 673-8930.

Reminder: Deadline to apply is April 4!

Student Scholarships for 2025-26 School Year

O'AHU CHURCHES - SAVE THE DATE:

STANDING COMMITTEE LISTENING SESSION - SATURDAY, MAY 17

The Standing Committee is holding a Listening Session for O'ahu clergy and congregations on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 1:00 PM. It will be held at Good Samaritan Episcopal Church, 1801 10th Ave, in Palolo. There are two parking lots in front and back of the church. 

Our “listening session” is to hear comments or concerns, or answer any questions, that members of the O'ahu parishes and missions might have about the Diocese, the state of the Church or any other issue related to our common life and ministries with each other.

The Standing Committee consists of 8 members, 4 clergy and 4 lay, elected to four-year terms during the Annual Convention. Its main function is to serve as the advisory body to the bishop, approve ordinations within the Diocese and confirm those elected as bishop in the greater national church. The Standing Committee serves as the ecclesial head of the diocese in the absence of a bishop. The Standing Committee also oversees and administers the process of selecting a new bishop.

As we serve the Diocese of Hawai'i, we would love to hear whatever might be on your mind or heart as we all move into the future. This is also an opportunity for all O'ahu members to ask questions about any of the topics above and get involved in the Diocese.

What's Happening at Camp Mokulē'ia

Click on the blocks for more info and to register!

DIOCESAN YOUTH RETREAT

April 11-13

EPISCOPAL 'OHANA STAY-CAY

May 2-4

SUMMER CAMP PROGRAMS

(From June 15)

ENVIRONMENTAL SUMMER WORKSHOP: CONTEMPLATIVE ENVIRONMENTALISM - Calling all educators and activists! This workshop brings together environmental professors and activists to explore how best to teach and advocate in these challenging times. It provides tools for finding emotional strength, perfecting pedagogical skills, and cultivating activist courage at this historical moment. The workshop will take place at the Lama Foundation, an off-grid, retreat center in the mountains of northern New Mexico, USA. Lama receives its electricity from the sun, water from a spring, and much of its food in the summer from its gardens. The place is stunningly beautiful. Click HERE for more information.

GREAT READS: CLIMATE FICTION - Who doesnʻt love a great science fiction book? Climate fiction is an increasingly popular sub-genre of science fiction. Inspired by data produced by climate scientists as well as the work of engineers designing climate solutions, this kind of fiction can help us understand the science behind climate change. It can also inspire us to imagine what it might look like as we make our way through the climate crisis. Check out some of these popular reads: The Ministry for the Future by Kim Stanley Robinson, Solar by Ian McEwan, Playground by Richard Powers, Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver, The Carbon Diaries: 2015 by Saci Lloyd

2025 - SPRING TRAINING: April 5 - Deadline to register is Sunday, March 30!

2025 - DIOCESAN YOUTH RETREAT - April 11-13, Camp Mokulē'ia

2025 - CLERGY CONFERENCE: August 25-27 (Tentative)

2025 - CONVENTION 57 (Education Day & Annual Meeting): October 24-25 - Save the date!

AT THE CATHEDRAL...

Coming Up! Regional Confirmation, Reception, Baptism & Reaffirmation

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

www.cathedralhawaii.org

COMING UP:

TOMORROW! FRIDAY, MARCH 28

ST. AUGUSTINE'S

54-3801 Akoni Pule Hwy, Kapa'au, Hawai'i

THIS SUNDAY! MARCH 30

SOLDIER'S CHAPEL

Schofield Barracks, Wahiawa

FUNDRAISER FOR ST. MATTHEW'S

DEADLINE TO ORDER IS MARCH 31

41-054 Ehukai St., Waimanalo, O'ahu

APRIL 4 & 5, 2025

ST. JOHN'S KULA

8992 Kula Highway, Maui

ORDAINED POSITION OPENINGS

(Visit the Diocesan website HERE for more information.)

LAY POSITION OPENINGS

(Visit the Diocesan website HERE for more information.)

Photo:Frank Logue

MORE HEADLINE LINKS FROM

THE EPISCOPAL NEWS SERVICE:

• Pittsburgh church service, other remembrances mark five years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic (3/27/25)
• Episcopalians share reflections on learning, advocacy work, 30 years of Beijing Declaration at UNCSW 3/21/25)
• Christopher Lacovara hired as Episcopal Church’s chief financial officer 3/17/25)

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.

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)

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)