This issue's header photo was taken during the Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI)Young Adult Retreat at Camp Mokulē'ia, held September 11-14. Against the breathtaking backdrop of the Ko'olau Range, the group takes a moment after working the lo'i fields of Kako'o 'O'iwi in He'eia. Pictured with the young adults are our clergy, the Rev. Canon Andrew Arakawa, Canon for Ministry Formation (fourth from left), and guest speaker for the retreat, the Rev. Keleawe Hee (center with red shirt). Also with the group at center front with navy shirt is Canon Myra Garnes, Officer of Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministries from The Episcopal Church. Look for a full feature article in an upcoming issue. (Photo: Carolyn Morinish) | | |
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 21
O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we, running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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FEATURE STORIES:
From the Ashes: Healing and Celebrating Connections Across the Ocean
Youth & Young Adults: Canon Myra Garnes Visits Hawai'i
(See Island Happenings for more stories)
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REGULAR FEATURED SECTIONS:
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Bishop's Corner - Special Message: For Christ's Sake; Meetings & Greetings
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Bishop Search & Transition - E Kama‘ilio Kākou Events updated
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Growing in Grace - Pray, Reflect, Act: Tools for Living the Gospel in Troubled Times
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Kahuaola - Creation Care at Holy Nativity
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Let's Go with Canon Sandy - St. James' Episcopal Church, Hawai'i Island
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Island Happenings - HAWAI'I ISLAND - Peace Parade; MAUI: Welcoming Bishop Emelyn Dacuycuy; MAUI: Talk Story at Trinity By-the-Sea; KAUA'I: Music in the Air- St. Michael and All Angels Jazz Weekend & Christ Memorial Sacred Earth Choir
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ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPCOMING:
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Convention 57 - Coming Up! Online Budget Presentation
- A Word from the House of Bishops
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Retired Clergy Families - Part 4 of the Rev. Bil Aulenbach Story
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EYC Episcopal Youth - Family Festival and Diocesan Youth Day at St. Paul's, Kaua'i
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Coming Up - Check out some of the events taking place at our churches.
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Message from the Bishop: For Christ's Sake
September 24, 2025
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Aloha my dear Siblings in Christ Jesus,
In my years as Bishop, I have had to write way too many times about school shootings and gun violence in the United States. As of yesterday, there have been at least 57 shootings at K-12 schools, according to Everytown for Gun Safety. This, of course, includes August’s terrible attack at Annunciation Catholic School in Minnesota that left two children dead.
With the murder of the State legislator and her husband in Minnesota and of political commentator Charlie Kirk, we now face the specter of political violence. Studies from the University of Maryland and Princeton University highlight the rise of civil unrest, threats against government officials and facilities, and political violence. A 2024 Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) report notes that the number of domestic terrorist attacks and plots against government targets in the last five years has nearly tripled over the last 25 years combined. These plots and attacks come from across the political spectrum, driven by no single political party, ideology, or movement, but can create a dangerous cycle of violence.
READ FULL MESSAGE
| | Except for special events, it's rare for the entire Diocesan Support Center staff (DSC) to get together in person. On September 17, they met for their annual calendar meeting to map out events and activities through 2026. They also got to listen to a presentation by PIOPAC regarding Flex Spending benefits. An added treat was getting to experience a variety of ethnic food from a diverse staff, with a potluck lunch that included Bishop's ono chili, Nepali potato salad, Chinese red bean soup, laulau, manapua, Portuguese bean soup, Balatong, salads with cornbread and garlic bread, and lots of yummy desserts! Pictured above left are Cammy Liu, Jasmi Regmi, the Rev. Canon Andrew Arakawa, the Bishop, Nani Carroll, the Rev. Canon Sandy Graham, Rae Costa, Kalani Holokai, and Sybil Nishioka. (Contributed photo) | | |
Above right, the Bishop met with Bishop Emelyn Dacuycuy from the Diocese of Batac (Philippines). Bishop Dacuycuy spent time on Maui with the people of Good Shepherd where more photos can be found in the Island Happenings section further down. (Photo: Nani Carroll)
On September 13, the Bishop spent time with the young adults during the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) retreat held at Camp Mokulē'ia. At right, pictured next to the Bishop in green is the Rev. Keleawe Hee of Good Samaritan who was the guest speaker for the retreat. More to come about this event in a future issue. (Photo: Carolyn Morinishi)
| | | | | 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 STORIES
More stories can be found other Island Happenings.
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From the Ashes: Healing and Celebrating Connections Across the Ocean
By the Rev. Canon Sandy Graham
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Two months after the deadly wildfires on Maui destroyed Holy Innocents Episcopal Church in Lahaina, 5,000 miiles away in Parmalee, South Dakota, Holy Innocents Church on the Rosebud Reservation was also tragically lost to fire. In the wake of these shared losses, a connection quickly formed between the two churches bearing the same name.
Soon after, a third Holy Innocents joined this circle of support. Holy Innocents Episcopal Church and School, located just outside of Atlanta, Georgia, sent a beautifully illustrated book of prayers created by the children to Holy Innocents' members in Lahaina as a gesture of love and solidarity.
On Tuesday, September 23, 2025, the new church building in South Dakota was consecrated, with the final exterior panel being secured only moments before the service began. Leanna Roberts, a member from Holy Innocents in Lahaina, and I, were honored to be present for this deeply meaningful celebration.
Pictured below left, Canon Sandy was presented with a handmade star quilt which was wrapped around his shoulders, a traditional Lakota custom of honoring someone. At center, Canon Sandy presents a maile lei which was placed on the newly consdecrated altar, and at right, a South Dakota sunset. (Photos: Canon Sandy Graham and video screenshots)
| | Youth & Young Adults: Canon Myra Garnes Visits Hawai'i | |
During September, the Diocese welcomed Canon Myra Garnes, Officer of Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministries from The Episcopal Church. While on O'ahu, Garnes took part in the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) young adult retreat at Camp Mokulē'ia. She is pictured in the header photo front and center flashing a shaka. Garnes was also able to meet with several groups to discuss the work and resourcing of youth and young adult ministry. Pictured above left (back row, far right) with the AAPI young adults, Garnes worshiped at Good Samaritan, Honolulu, joining the Rev. Keleawe Hee, Vicar (front row left), who was the guest speaker at the camp retreat. (Photo: Carolyn Morinishi)
Above right at a lunch meeting at the Pacific Club, Garnes is pictured with L-R: The Very Rev. Heather Patton-Graham, Cathedral Dean and Chaplain/St. Andrew's Schools, the Rev. Mark Haworth, Vicar – Halau Wa'a; Jill Haworth – Halau Wa'a; Canon Myra Garnes, the Rev. Kerry Holder Joffrion, Vicar – Episcopal Church of West Kaua'i; Kim Arakawa –Virginia Theological Seminary, Department of Lifelong Learning, Sara Nyoma, Youth Coordinator – Episcopal Church of West Kaua'i. (Photo: The Rev. Mark Haworth).
| | WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE DIOCESE | | Visit the Diocese's Calendar page HERE for Diocesan events & activities. | | |
Interested in joining in-person discussions for our next bishop? Upcoming E Kama‘ilio Kākou (Heart-to-Heart) events are as follows:
- Sunday, September 28 – Holy Innocents (Maui)
- Sunday, September 28 – West Kaua'i at St. John's (Kaua'i)
Visit the Bishop Transition webpage.for more information about the search process.
E Kama‘ilio Kākou (Heart-to-Heart) is an opportunity to share what characteristics, skills, and priorities you’d like to see embodied in our next bishop. All are invited to attend ANY of the scheduled sessions regardless of which church you attend.
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COMING UP! ONLINE BUDGET PRESENTATION:
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 5:00 PM (HST)
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1:00 PM (Guam/Saipan)
All church members are welcome to attend. Register HERE to receive the Zoom link. Visit the Convention webpage HERE (under e-Workbook Documents) to view the proposed budget numbers and narrative.
In case you missed the latest Convention 57 Special Announcement (9/19/25), here are reminders:
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NOMINATIONS - Nominees for governance positions are now posted. You may view them HERE.
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RESOLUTIONS - We have a record number of eight resolutions being introduced in this year's Annual Meeting. Those resolutions are now posted HERE.
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REGISTRATION REMINDER - Online registration will close on October 10. After this date, payment must be made at the door, and fees will increase. Register now to avoid paying more.
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NEIGHBOR ISLAND TRAVEL - Hawaiian Airlines will have a new online booking system as of October 1, 2025. To avoid any conflict of schedule changes we encourage all Annual Meeting participants to book air travel before October 1, 2025. Make your flight arrangements through our Air Travel Coordinator through this jotform link HERE.
Folks are invited to bring Christian books and resources for people to take home. There is also a call for t-shirts and pillows that may be taking up space in your home, and will be put to good use in a couple of Education Day activities. For details, view the Special Announcement HERE.
FOR MORE INFORMATION & TO REGISTER, CLICK ON THE BUTTONS BELOW:
| | A Word to The Episcopal Church from the House of Bishops | |
Dear people of God,
The bishops of The Episcopal Church gathered in Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic, send greetings in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. We are deeply grateful for the generous hospitality offered by our siblings in Christ in the Dominican Republic, and we give thanks for the faithful and visionary leadership of their bishop, the Rt. Rev. Moisés Quezada Mota, and his wife, Mary Jeannette. We also give thanks for the presence and leadership of our presiding bishop, the Most Rev. Sean Rowe, and we renew our commitment to the work of missional partnership and collaboration as together we seek to be a wholesome example for the entire flock of Christ.
READ FULL MESSAGE HERE
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Retired Clergy Families:
The Talk Story Project - Part 4 of the Aulenbach Story
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The latest installment in the Retired Clergy Families Talk Story Project is now posted on the Diocesan website HERE. In this posting, we share Part 4 of the Rev. Bil Aulenbach story. The Talk Story Project is a (growing) collection of stories from Diocesan-related retired clergy, spouses, widows and their families.
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This Saturday!
FREE FAMILY FESTIVAL
join us for our First Annual Family Festival! We will have carnival games & inflatable obstacle course for the keiki, musical entertainment provided by the Hawaii Music Hall of Fame, food trucks, and our waterfront will be open for paddleboarding and kayaking. Bring your friends, bring your family, and bring your aloha spirit.
This event is free and open to the public! No ticket required for entry!
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Coming Up!
DIOCESAN YOUTH DAY ON KAUA'I
St. Paul's, Kekaha
Registration deadline is October 6!
Join us for our upcoming island-wide Youth Day on Kauaʻi, for all youth 5th-12th grade, based at St. Paulʻs Episcopal Church in Kekaha, on Saturday, October 11, from 2:00 - 9:00 p.m. We will have activities led by Camp Mokulē'ia staff which will include some hiking at Kōkeʻe. A meal and snacks will be provided. The cost is just $5 per "camper" (youth participant). Details for registering can be found through the QR code on the flyer below. The registration deadline is Monday, October 6. Spread the word to your youth and their friends. It will be be a fun and meaningful event!
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Pray, Reflect, Act: Tools for Living the Gospel in Troubled Times
By The Rev. Canon Andrew J. Arakawa, Canon for Ministry Formation
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One of the tools I use for my prayer life is an app called Pray as You Go – click here for the website. Some of you may be familiar with the app/website and even use it. Pray as You Go, created and operated by Jesuit Media Initiatives in the United Kingdom, offers daily prayer rooted in Ignatian spirituality. Each day, Pray as You Go presents a short (10–15 minutes) guided prayer session featuring music, a Scripture reading, and reflective questions. The music is always beautiful, and the questions are thoughtful and a great way to deepen engagement with Scripture.
This morning, Wednesday, September 24, the app offered a reading from the Book of Ezra (Ez. 9:5-9). The passage captures a deeply penitential prayer offered by Ezra as the Jewish community returns from Babylonian exile and seeks to restore life and worship in Jerusalem. Ezra, profoundly aware of his people's historical failings, physically expresses mourning by tearing his garments and fasting, then confesses the community’s guilt and gratitude for God’s brief favor amidst hardship. READ MORE
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CREATION CARE AT HOLY NATIVITY: The Rev. Libby Berman at Holy Nativity Episcopal Church in Honolulu helped the children celebrate the Season of Creation with an interactive sermon. Keiki gathered to form our "island" of O'ahu with "fish" in the ocean all around, and talked about how God provided the first Hawaiians with all they needed to live and flourish here. They took home samples of the food these early residents had in abundance: bananas, coconut, kalo roots and leaves, yam and sweet potatoes. (Photo and story from the Holy Nativity e-newsletter)
| | ST. JAMES' EPISCOPAL - In this issue, Canon Sandy Graham takes us to the Big Island of Hawai'i where he visited St. James' Episcopal Church earlier in the year. This vibrant congregation is located in Kamuela, but also holds a beach mass every Saturday afternoon at Kawaihae Harbor. Click HERE to watch this great clip on YouTube. Enjoy! | | | |
ORDAINED POSITION OPENINGS:
(Visit the Diocesan website HERE for more information.)
- Part-time Vicar - Grace Episcopal Church, Ho'olehua, Moloka'i
- Full-time Priest-in-Charge/Rector - St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church, Honolulu, O'ahu
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LAY POSITION OPENINGS:
(Visit the Diocesan website HERE for more information.)
- Full-time Office Administrator - Christ Memorial Episcopal Church, Kilauea, Kaua'i
- Part-time Music Director - St. Christopher's, Kailua, O'ahu
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Visit the Diocese's Community Calendar page HERE for ongoing activities in your neighborhood.
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This Sunday!
CHORAL EVENSONG
Sunday, September 28
5:30 p.m.
Celebrating the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels!
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FEAST OF ST. FRANCIS & BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
Sunday, October 5
10:00 a.m. Service
(Drop-by pet blessings under the Aloha Tent, Noon-1:00 p.m.)
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ALI'I SUNDAY CHORAL EVENSONG
Sunday, October 19
5:30 p.m.
Celebrating Princess Ka'iulani
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HAWAI'I ISLAND - Peace Parade | | On Saturday, September 20, 2025, folks from St. Columba's marched in the Peace Parade in Honoka'a. On the St. James' Episcopal Parish Congregations (which includes St. Columba's) Facebook page, one participant shared, "[The] Honoka’a Peace Parade was such a wonderful experience! So many friendly faces from the Community Meal and the After School Social Hour that for a minute I felt like we were at St. Columba." | |
MAUI - Welcoming Bishop Emelyn Dacuycuy
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We had a wonderful weekend here at Good Shepherd where we honored Gregorio Aglipay and hosted Bishop Emelyn Dacuycuy from the IFI Diocese of Batac, where "Padi" Aglipay lived and ministered. The church was packed on Sunday morning with seven clergy as well as former parishioners of the Bishop. Not only did we sing "Dahil Sa Iyo," we also sang the national anthem of the Philippines while Bishop Dacuycuy held and waved the Philippine flag in front of the congregation.
(Pictured above from left, the Rev. Moki Hino with wife Dixie and Bishop Dacuycuy; the Rev. Keleawe Hee, Bishop Dacuycuy, the Rev. Hauoli Tomoso, the Rev. Bruce DeGooyer, and the Rev. Heather Mueller; Bishop Dacuycuy waves the Philippine flag to her country's anthem. Excerpts and photos from the Good Shepherd e-newsletter, Facebook page, and video screenshot)
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MAUI - Talk Story at Trinity By-the-Sea | | |
The Standing Committee of the Diocese of Hawai'i held their final Talk Story session of the year on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Trinity By-the-Sea Episcopal on Maui. These ongoing gatherings are to hear comments and concerns that church members may have, and to answer any questions about the Diocese, the state of the Church, or any other issue related to our common life and ministries with each other. During this session, there was discussion about the process for the election of the new bishop coming up next May, opportunities for more fellowship, especially among the laity, and an update from Chuck Spence on the status of Holy Innocents. Going forward, the Standing Committee will continue these Talk Story gatherings, both in-person and online, to listen to the voices in the Diocese.
(Pictured above left, the Standing Committee with attendees; above right, the Standing Committee with front L-R: William "Bill" Bonnet, the Rev. Andrew McMullen, Mary Carpenter; back row: the Rev. Keleawe Hee and Chuck Spence, missing: Doug Adams, the Rev. Jazzy Bostock, the Rev. Hau'oli Tomoso. (Photos: Cindy Schumacher)
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KAUA'I - Music in the Air: Weekend of Jazz and Worship at St. Michael's & Christ Memorial Peace Concert | | |
Lots of music and singing were in the air on the Garden Island of Kaua'i, where two churches recently hosted special concerts. Pictured above, St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in Lihue held a weekend filled with jazz and worship, that featured "Jazz Maestro" Matt Lemmler on Friday, and ended with a lively Sunday jazz mass. Above right, the Rev. Andrew McMullen is shown giving Communion with musicans and choir in the background. (Photos from St. Michael's Facebook page).
Aross the island on the north shore, Christ Memorial Episcopal Church in Kilauea held a special concert on Saturday, September 20, featuring the Sacred Earth Choir "Singing for Peace" in honor of International Peace Day. This local group "sings songs honoring, loving, and praying for the Earth and all beings."
| | (Pictured above is the Sacred Earth Choir led by Director Daniel Nelson in the foreground. Photo from video screenshot) | | The Feast of St. Francis is coming up on Saturday, October 4. Be sure to check with your church to see if they are having a Blessing of the Animals event. Most churches are holding special services to bless your pets on October 4 or 5. | | |
TOMORROW! SEPTEMBER 26
St. Clement's, 1515 Wilder Ave., Honolulu, O'ahu
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THIS SATURDAY! SEPTEMBER 27
St. John's, 8992 Kula Highway, Kula, Maui
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4
St. Augustine's, 54-3801 Akoni Pule Hwy, Kapa'au, Big Island
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4
St. Michael & All Angels, 4364 Hardy St, Lihue, Kaua'i
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11
Halau Wa'a, 91-1122 Kama'aha Loop, Kapolei, O'ahu
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17
St. Clement's, 1515 Wilder Ave., Honolulu, O'ahu
| St. Clement's would love to team up with and invite other churches to join them for the Pride Eucharist and parade the next day. Please contact the Rev. Brian Rallison to coordinate HERE. | | |
SAVE THE DATE!
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8
St. John's, 8992 Kula Highway, Kula, Maui
| Does your church have an upcoming event you'd like posted? Send your graphics to diocesan Communications HERE. | | |
SAVE THE DATE!
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8
Emmanuel, 780 Keolu Dr., Kailua, O'ahu
| | The Episcopal Church & Beyond... | | |
MORE HEADLINE LINKS FROM
THE EPISCOPAL NEWS SERVICE:
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Episcopal Diocese of Maryland sees increase in the number of new people attending church
(9/23/25) Earlier this year Maryland Bishop Carrie Schofield-Broadbent began to hear reports of a growing number of new people coming to churches across the diocese, so she brought it up at the mid-April service when diocesan clergy renew their ministry vows. READ MORE
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Reminders (Previously Announced)
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United Thank Offering Invites 2026 Annual Grant Applicants - The United Thank Offering Board is delighted to announce the opening of applications for its 2026 annual grants, seeking projects that focus on justice through bridging divides. The deadline to apply is 5:00 p.m. (ET). January 9 2026. for Anglican Communion partners and 5:00 p.m. (ET) January 30, 2026, for Episcopal Church applicants. For more information and details on how to apply, visit their website HERE.
| | Do you have a question? Contact us at (808) 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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