This issue's header photo was taken during the Diocesan Clergy Pilgrimage that took place this week. Our clergy are pictured during Wednesday's tour of the Hawai'i Plantation Village in Waipahu. The pilgrimage included visits to sites around the island and the group stayed at the St. Anthony Retreat Center. More about the pilgrimage will be featured in a future issue. Pictured from left are: The Revs. Peter Wallace, David Gierlach, Karen Swanson, Bishop Bob, Paul Nahoa Lucas, Jazzy Bostock, Brian Rallison and Heather Mueller. (Photo: Annalise Pasalo) | |
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Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany
O God, the strength of all who put their trust in you: Mercifully accept our prayers; and because in our weakness we can do nothing good without you, give us the help of your grace, that in keeping your commandments we may please you both in will and deed; 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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Pictured above left, Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick (third from right), and the Rev. Keleawe Hee (far left) celebrated 'Iolani School's annual Founder's Day on Thursday, February 6, along with the Royal Order of Kamehameha. (Photo from the Good Sam bulletin) Above right, the Bishop celebrates during his February 2 Visitation at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church on Kaua'i. (Shared photo from Facebook) | |
The Bishop shares two important messages, one from Julia Ayala Harris, President of the House of Deputies, and the second from the Episcopal Public Policy Network: | |
Bearing Faithful Witness
(February 11, 2025) Each time we gather at Christ's table, we proclaim an ancient truth that echoes through the centuries: Divine love knows no borders, grace flows as freely as living water, and in the face of the stranger, we may encounter Christ himself. Today, The Episcopal Church stands at a profound crossroads where our deepest theological convictions call us to prophetic action. READ MORE
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Episcopal Church Joins Lawsuit on ICE Enforcement
(February 11, 2025) The Episcopal Church is among dozens of multifaith plaintiffs in a lawsuit challenging the U.S. government’s recent rescission of guidelines that limited immigration enforcement in sensitive areas such as churches, schools, and hospitals. The suit was filed this morning in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia by Georgetown Law’s Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection. READ MORE
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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. | |
Introducting HULI: KA LIMA I LALO | |
For 2025, the Creation Care and Environmental Justice Task Force, in collaboration with the Racial Reconciliation Task Force and the Native Hawaiian Ministry Committee, was awarded a Creation Care Grant from The Episcopal Church. With this award and the support of the Diocese, we are weaving mālama ʻāina through our shared work and the Diocesan events for the year. It is a creation care revival—to continue and carry on this important call and responsibility in Hawaiʻi.
The name of the theme for this project is Huli, which means to turn, to change. It is also the part of the kalo that is replanted. It symbolizes our important and sacred responsibility to care for the life of these islands.
In conversation and collaboration with the Racial Reconciliation Task Force and the Native Hawaiian Ministry Committee, and to better reflect our shared and overlapping work in Hawaiʻi, we have renamed the Creation Care and Environmental Task Force, Kahuaola, which means “guardians of life.”
So, for this year, we welcome all to turn our hands to the earth, as guardians of life: “Huli: ka lima i lalo.”
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SAVE THE DATE!
CHRISM MASS & SPRING TRAINING
Saturday, April 5, 2025
The Cathedral of St. Andrew, Honolulu
The task forces involved with Project Huli will be the host of this year's Spring Training event. Stay tuned for more information and registration coming soon. In the meantime, be sure to visit the Kahuaola webpage (formerly Environmental Justice/Creation Care) HERE. Don't forget to update your web browser's bookmark to Kahuaola.
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WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE DIOCESE | |
Visit the Diocese's Calendar page HERE for Diocesan events & activities. | |
New Diocesan Staff on Board | |
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The Diocesan Support Center (DSC) is pleased to welcome two new staff members:
CAMMY LIU is the Diocese's new accountant who will be assisting our Controller, Jasmi Regmi. Cammy has seven years of experience in public accounting, and is detail-oriented and diligent. She is originally from China and graduated from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa. Cammy is excited to be a part of the team, and we are too!
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THE REV. DAVID JACKSON is the new part-time Diocesan Coordinator for Youth Ministry, where his primary focus will be organizing Diocesan youth events for teens on O'ahu, Maui, Kaua'i, and Hawai'i Island. He will also collaborate closely with Lynea Mitchell and her team from Camp Mokulēʻia, to ensure the success of activities and events on each island. Jackson will be the guest speaker at this year's annual Diocesan Youth Retreat coming up April 11-13. More information about the retreat can be found in the Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) section further below. | |
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Reminder: This Saturday, February 15
TENS Webinar: Finding Your Stewardship Love Language
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The Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS) will be offering a webinar this 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.
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Reminder: This Saturday, February 15
Listening Session: Standing Committee Heads to Kaua'i
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The Standing Committee of the Diocese of Hawai'i will be holding its monthly meeting at St. Michael and All Angels on Saturday, February 15, 2025. As part of this gathering, the Committee is holding an open “listening session” to hear comments or concerns, and answer any questions that members of the Kaua'i churches may have about the Diocese, the state of the Church, or any other issues related to our common life and ministries with each other. All are welcome to join us in the Parish Hall at St. Michael's (4364 Hardy St., Lihue) at 1:00 PM on Saturday, February 15, 2025. | |
Coming Up! DOK: Discerning the Call | |
Is God calling you to a life of prayer and service? Do you wish to reinstate your membership or reaffirm your vows as a Daughter? Are you planning to mentor others through the discernment process? The Order of the Daughters of the King (DOK) is offering an online Welcome and Information Session on Saturday, February 22, at 1:00 PM (HST). A 3-month, six-session journey of discernment follows, and is designed specifically for any woman communicant of the Episcopal Church who is listening for the call to become a member of DOK. For more information and to register, click HERE. For local guidance, feel free to contact Adele Thomas (808) 260-6513, or Susan Anderson (808) 554-3160. | |
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Lent Resources
Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent begins on March 5, and time to prepare and order your Lent resources. Be sure to visit The Episcopal Church's Lenten Resources page HERE where different ministries and partners share videos, inserts, devotionals (online and downloadable), lessons for adults and youth, and much more. Click on the buttons below to access Lent resources including the previously shared UTO and EMM offerings:
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Register Now!
Annual Diocesan Youth Retreat
Camp Mokulēʻia is delighted to announce that we will be hosting the 2025 Diocesan Youth Retreat from April 11-13, 2025. We would be honored to have your youth join us for a weekend of fun and fellowship. This weekend is open to all 6th - 12th graders!
Our special guest speaker, the Rev. David "Kawika" Jackson, will lead us in conversations and games designed to help us grow in Christ and friendship with one another. It's a wonderful opportunity for your youth to deepen their faith and build lasting relationships.
Registration is now open, so please encourage your youth to sign up today HERE and invite a friend to join! Help us get the word out by printing out the attached flier to post or send home, attach it to your newsletter or let us know if you would like us to mail hard copies to you.
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Click on the flier to download a pdf version with the QR code. | |
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TIPS FROM REV. JENN! Are you trying to reduce the amount of plastic you use in your household? Here are two great products that are fairly new to the market that can help you reduce plastic use.
1. Shampoo and conditioner bars: Health food stores have carried these for several years, but they can also be found at Longs or online. The first time I used a shampoo bar I was less than impressed because it didn’t feel like normal shampoo, and the lather was less than exciting. Even though I was told the lather doesn’t matter, it felt like it should! Recently I’ve found great improvement in the lathering of the shampoo bars and wonderful conditioner bars to go alongside. These small bars not only save you from using plastic, they are great for travel and last as long as 2 large bottles of shampoo. Some I've tried: Kitsch and HiBar
2. Laundry detergent sheets: It’s painful to look at the grocery shelves full of large bottles of liquid laundry detergent. Did you know that you can get laundry detergent in a small sheet? You can order these directly from the company for shipping to Hawai'i, or you might find them in a local health food store or zero waste shop, like Keep It Simple in Kaimuki. Some companies are even making fabric softener sheets (that go in the wash not the dryer). My favorites are: Generation Conscious and TruEarth
See what you think - and share the word with your friends and family if you like the products! The more people who adopt these plastic free options, the less plastic ends up in our waste, streams and landfills.
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2025 - FREE TENS WEBINAR: February 15 - Finding Your Stewardship Love Language - Register HERE
2025 - SPRING TRAINING: April 5 - Save the date! More info to come
2025 - DIOCESAN YOUTH RETREAT - April 11-13
2025 - CLERGY CONFERENCE: August 25-27 (Tentative)
2025 - 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.
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Blessing the Queen Liliʻuokalani Peace Chapel
On the Feast Day of Queen Liliʻuokalani, Wednesday, January 29, 2025, the Queen Liliʻuokalani Peace Chapel at the Cathedral received its cross and portrait with blessings all around! Mahalo nui to the Chapel Committee for their dedication, to Brook Parker and Tucker Haworth for their art in portrait and wood, respectively, and to the many hearts, hands, and prayers that have worked so tirelessly for the Queen and her story of steadfast strength and faith, and remarkable courage and love for her people, to be known across the world. Mahalo ke Akua for the life and witness of Mōʻī Wahine Liliʻuokalani. Onipaʻa. (Photos and captioning from the Cathedral of St. Andrew's Facebook page)
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Coming Up! Festive Choral Evensong on Sunday, March 2
The Cathedral of St. Andrew will be celebrating two very special occasions on Sunday, March 2, 2025, with a Festive Choral Evensong beginning at 5:30 PM. All are invited to attend the service that will begin at the Cornerstone to honor King Kamehameha V and the Anniversary of the Laying of the Cathedral Cornerstone. Following will be a special celebration of the Very Rev. Heather Patton-Graham as the Cathedral Dean. Dean Heather was appointed effective December 1, 2024, and this will be her official celebration service!
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St. Peter's Celebration of New Ministry: The Rev. Ruth Peterson
The folks at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Honolulu, officially welcomed their priest, the Rev. Ruth Peterson, in a Celebration of New Ministry service on Sunday, February 2, 2025. Well wishers included a bevy of clergy who joined in the celebration! Pictured is Pastor Ruth at front far right with the colorful stole. Further below, she is pictured with lion dancers that doubled up the festivities after the service. (Photo: St. Peter's online album)
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Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate: The Rev. Deacon William Joseph Heran
On Wednesday, January 22, 2025, folks at Holy Nativity in Aina Haina, gathered for the ordination of our 2024 ministry intern, Bill Heran. Our Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Robert Fitzpatrick, officiated, while several clergy and lay colleagues from across our Diocese joined us in person and online. Food & fellowship followed the service. (Photo and story from the Holy Nativity online newsletter)
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Several churches in the Diocese celebrated the start of the Chinese Lunar New Year with the traditional Lion or Dragon dance! Lots of food and celebration were in store! Here are couple of church's photos. Above are pictures from St. Elizabeth's Facebook page and below, a great reception at St. Peter's from their online album. | |
ECWK Children's Choir Community Performance
Kumu Ola, the children's choir of the Episcopal Church on West Kaua'i (ECWK), performed at the Hanapepe Public Library's 75th Anniversary this past weekend. In attendance, and pictured with the children, were Mayor Derek Kawakami, Hawai'i Senate President Ron Kouchi, and County Council members Fern Holland and Felicia Cowden. (Contributed photo)
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COMING UP AROUND THE DIOCESE: | |
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This Saturday! February 15, 2025
St. James' Beach Mass, 5:00 PM
Kawaihae Harbor, Hawai'i Island
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Saturday, February 22, 2025
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church
1679 California Ave., Wahiawa, O'ahu
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ORDAINED POSITION OPENINGS
(Visit the Diocesan website HERE for more information.)
LAY POSITION OPENINGS
(Visit the Diocesan website HERE for more information.)
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The Episcopal Church & Beyond... | |
Episcopal leaders respond to federal government’s removal of cultural holidays, observances
[February 13, 2025] As the new Trump administration leads public and private entities to remove calendared holidays and observances commemorating the contributions of people of color, women, LGBTQ+ people and people with disabilities, Episcopal leaders are reflecting on how the wider church can ensure that those Americans are never erased from the public’s consciousness. READ MORE
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Photo:Wilfreddy Alexander Carmona Arias | |
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MORE HEADLINE LINKS FROM
THE EPISCOPAL NEWS SERVICE:
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Reminders (Previously Announced)
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ECW ANNUAL LENTEN RETREAT Coming Up! -The Episcopal Church Women (ECW) will be holding their annual Lenten Retreat on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at The Cathedral of St. Andrew's Von Holt Room. The Rev. Karen Swanson will lead the retreat that begins with check-in at 8:30 AM. The retreat will end after lunch. For all interested, please RSVP by March 7, to Louise Aloy by email HERE.
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REGISTER NOW! 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.
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Do you have a question? Contact us at (800) 536-7776 | |
The Diocesan Support Center (DSC) staff is ready to help answer your questions. Some of the most common topics are listed along with the person to contact. Click on the linked name to send an email.
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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.
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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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