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This issue's header photo was taken at this past weekend's Spring Training event hosted by the Diocese's Huli team that is pictured above. From left, the Revs. Jazzy Bostock and Bree Lloyd, closing plenary speaker Bonnie Kahapea-Tanner, Executive Director and Captain of the Kanehunamoku Voyaging Academy, the Rev. Jenn Latham, and Bishop Bob. Full article with taped plenaries will be coming out in the next issue of the Hawaiian Church Chronicle. (Photo: Sybil Nishioka)

Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday

Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Message from the Bishop for Holy Week 2025

Na ke aloha o ke Akua ma loko o Iesu Kristo, e aloha iā ʻoukou ā pau!

We come to Holy Week 2025 with a world turned upside down. In my years as Bishop, I have too often acknowledged massive changes in our world. Together we have walked through the banking crisis and economic downturn of 2007/2008, deployments of friends and family in the Iraq/Afghan wars, the Pandemic, and the Maui fires (with a continuing recovery). The actions of the Federal government in recent weeks have, in many ways, more profoundly changed the social order of the nation and the world than anything in living memory. Being frank, much that is happening is a direct challenge to Christian faith and the teaching of the Episcopal Church.

I enter Holy Week falling back on Scripture study and prayer. As I discern with you, God’s people in the Diocese of Hawaiʻi (The Episcopal Church in the Hawaiian Islands, Guam and Saipan), on how we will faithfully respond.

In study, I have turned to the Hebrew Prophets, especially Jeremiah and Micah, and Lamentations. As always, I am grounded in the Gospel of Matthew and the Letter of James. From this study, I am reminded that the way of faith is often at odds with the world. Our times are really much like those of the past. The path of faith, hope and love, though well worn, can sometimes feel lonely by those of us on the way of a faithful pilgrimage.

As we enter Holy Week, I ask that you ruminate with me on our response, as former Presiding Bishop Michael Curry would say, the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement to the new world order.

READ FULL LETTER HERE

Bishop's Spring Travels...

Above, the Bishop's busy month of traveling during March included the House of Bishops Spring meeting at Camp McDowell in Alabama. The meeting always includes “class” dinners which is determined by the year one is elected bishop. This year, there were only three (pictured above right) from Bishop Bob's class of 2006. Below left, the Bishop was a guest at the 6th gathering of the Oceania Anglican Fono (aka FONO) that brought together the Primates and General Secretaries from the four Anglican Churches in Oceania. The event took place in Ngā Motu, New Plymouth. Below right, the Bishop made his Visitation to St. Mark's in Honolulu, this past Sunday, where he confirmed Ava. She is accompanied by their Rector, the Rev. Paul Lillie. (Photos from the Bishop's Facebook page)

Fr. Keleawe, who has been deeply involved with EAM for many years including leadership roles, shared the following reflection about his experience at the event:

"Many Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders came together from across the nation to share their stories as Episcopalians. Many are the sole Asian American or Pacific Islander in their church. One participant thought she was the only Asian American Episcopalian in the whole world. One participant said while growing up, he thought God made a mistake in not making him white, and hidden rage from years of taunts emerged as rage. Another participant said when he looks in the mirror he sees self-hatred as a bi-racial person, feeling he didn't belong anywhere and didn't have a home in either culture. There's a great Asian American crisis that needs a cultural shift and systemic change. Coming together and sharing our stories lifts us up as we support each other. We stand on the shoulders of our ancestors that have brought us this far. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the Episcopal church are leaders and have a voice in the conversation and at the table."

Fr. Andrew also shared his experience with an important reminder of how different the local blended culture of Hawai'i is compared to Asian Americans around the country who face blatant racism on a daily basis.

"I am grateful that I attended the retreat in Kansas City. It was wonderful to connect with and share stories with other Asian American leaders from the wider Church. Because Asian Americans make up such a large part of our population here in Hawaiʻi, I can often get complacent about the issues that the AAPI community faces in our Church and our country. It was important for me to be reminded of this blind spot that I have, the desire in the AAPI community for more representation in Church leadership, and that although Asian Americans are part of the dominant culture here in Hawaiʻi, we still live under the shadow of hegemonic structures that inform the way we see what leadership looks like in our Church." (Pictured with Faye Hee)

To learn more abuot the Episcopal Church's Asiamerica Ministries, click HERE. (Top group photo by Zach Phillips, remaining photos contributed by Keleawe Hee)

Social Justice: April 5 Demonstration

By The Rev. David Gierlach, Diocesan Social Justice Task Force

What's Happening at Camp Mokulē'ia

Easter 'Ohana Stay-Cay: April 18-20, 2025

Room is still available!

Hop on over to our 2025 Easter 'Ohana Stay-Cay! This weekend getaway to Camp Mokulēʻia includes a visit from the Easter Bunny, a sunrise Easter Service, family activities, watersports, and much more.Click HERE to register now!

Episcopal 'Ohana Stay-Cay: May 2-4, 2025

If you are a part of an Episcopal Church and want a way to reconnect with your church ʻohana, join us for our Episcopal ʻOhana Stay Cay! Bring your swimsuit, a smile and let us do all the work for you! The price includes your lodging, your meals, and all the activities! Choose from tent camping, tentaloes, cabins, or the lodge! We will have kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, zipline, a family art activity, a movie night under the stars, and more! Click HERE to register.

WORTH REPEATING: AN ECOLOGICAL STATIONS OF THE CROSS - On March 18, 2024, the Rev. Ellis Clifton Jr. and members of his congregation, the Episcopal Church of St. Mary the Virgin in the British Virgin Islands, officiated a special session exploring the Stations of the Cross through an ecojustice lens. An Ecological Way of the Cross resource was written by the Rev. Dr. Leah D. Schade, Copyright 2023, and published through the Interfaith Center of Sustainable Development. For the original posting on Zoom, click HERE, and for the resource material, click HERE.

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

2025 - HULI SUMMER SPEAKER SERIES (Virtual) - May 24, with Dr. Kamanamaikalani Beamer

2025 - HULI SUMMER SPEAKER SERIES (Virtual) - July 26, with Rev. Rachel Taber-Hamilton

2025 - HULI SUMMER SPEAKER SERIES (Virtual) - August 2, with Robin Wall Kimmerer

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

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

AT THE CATHEDRAL...

Easter Basket Smiles and Shakas

There were lots of smiles this past Sunday, as families were invited to fill up Easter baskets with toys, goodies and mystery eggs. The activity was organized by Rae Costa, the Diocese's Operations Manager, who volunteered her time and energy for this outreach project. One person even made over a dozen Easter bags for her preschool class!

Reminder: Regional Confirmation Service Coming up

There will be a regional Adult Baptism / Confirmation / Reception / Reaffirmation on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 6:00 PM, at the Cathedral of St. Andrew's Easter Vigil. All participants should plan to arrive by 5:15 PM for a walk-through of the service and to meet with the Bishop prior to the ceremony.

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

www.cathedralhawaii.org

IN THE NEWS...

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii – The inaugural Aha Mele at Soldier’s Chapel, held on Sunday, March 30, brought together the military and local Hawaiian communities in a heartfelt celebration of music, faith, and enduring partnership.

The event, hosted in the historic Soldier’s Chapel, honored Queen Liliʻuokalani’s generosity and her lasting contributions to the soldiers stationed at Schofield Barracks. Built in 1926 with donations from the Queen, the chapel has long served as a place of solace, prayer, and unity for service members and their families. READ FULL ARTICLE HERE

(Pictured above, folks from the Diocese of Hawai'i take a group photo with the Kawaiahao Church Choir and representatives from Schofield Barracks and other religious organizations. Pictured at far left is the Rev. Kaleo Patterson (St. Stephen's) and at center with ho'okupu, the Rev. Haaheo Guanson (Cathedral of St. Andrew), both of whom are founders of the Pacific Justice and Reconciliation Center and organizers of the event. Standing next to Kaleo is Archdeacon Steve Costa, and at far right are Cathedral Dean Heather Patton-Graham and Canon Sandy Graham. Contributed photo)

ORDAINED POSITION OPENINGS

(Visit the Diocesan website HERE for more information.)

LAY POSITION OPENINGS

(Visit the Diocesan website HERE for more information.)

Photo: Neil Turner

MORE HEADLINE LINKS FROM

THE EPISCOPAL NEWS SERVICE:

• San Diego diocese, partners open migrant shelter for women and children in Tijuana 4/9/25)
• Judge considers injunction against immigration enforcement actions at houses of worship (4/4/25)
• Episcopalians reflect on women’s rights progress 30 years after Beijing Declaration (4/1/25)

THE STANDING COMMITTEE IS HOLDING A LISTENING SESSION FOR O'AHU CLERGY & CONGREGATIONS on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 1:00 PM. It will be held at Good Samaritan Episcopal Church, 1801 10th Ave, in Palolo. 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. 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.

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)