A message from Bishop Robert L. Fitzpatrick

Establishing New Communities of Faith

Aloha!

I am most pleased about the possibility of a new ministry in the Diocese.  During my years as the Priest at St. Luke's Church, I became convinced that we, as a Diocese, needed to do more to evaluate whether a Korean language ministry was still viable on Oahu.  I began conversation with the Episcopal Church Korean Convocation.  The first ministry in the Episcopal Church to Koreans was begun in this Diocese, and the first native Korean ordained in the Episcopal Church was from here.  Much of the ministry here on Oahu is, in fact, older than work by Anglicans in Korea.  There is a lively Korean community in Hawai'i, but the Episcopal Church has had very limited impact on it for a couple of decades.  When Kahu Tom Van Culin served as vicar of St. Luke's, he reported much the same concern and strongly urged me to find a way to at least explore a new Korean language ministry.  During the centennial of St. Luke's Church in April, 2009, I had a long personal conversation with Archbishop Paul Kim of Seoul of the Anglican Church in Korea.  He suggested that he would like to help send Korean clergy to help explore whether Korean language was viable in Honolulu and to help "save" the historic mother church of all Korean Episcopal ministries.  He was quite well informed of the history of St. Luke's Church.  He and individual priests of the Korean Convocation of the Episcopal Church contacted me regularly to encourage a new start to Korean language ministry in Hawai'i.

I held on to the idea until the House of Bishops meeting in March, 2011.  Archbishop Kim was there to address the Episcopal Bishops.  (He was most supportive of the Episcopal Church.)  We talked several times and he told me of a clergy couple, David and Anna Oh, with good English skills, (Anna had studied opera at the Manhattan School of Music), who feel called to "mission" work.  As soon as I returned home, I contacted the chairs of the Congregation Health and Growth Commission and the Mission Department, to ask about funding possibilities.  The Oh's came for a visit during the last week of June.  It was a very good visit.  I would like them to come as missionaries to Hawai'i.

What would this be like?  The Oh's would come on three-year religious workers' visas.  The visa restricts how much they can be paid.  I have strongly urged St. Luke's Church to help with housing and auto.  This is a ministry opportunity that presented itself and I think worth the risk for three years, especially if partnerships can be formed and some additional funding of $60,000 a year can be secured from the Diocesan budget.  I want a clear report on whether Korean ministry is vital and needed.  At this time, I want to separate any emerging ministry from a particular site or congregation.  Though St. Luke's Church and the Judd Street site are the historic location of Korean language ministry, is it still the best venue for such a ministry in the Diocese today?  Both David and Anna have been trained in congregational development, evangelism and contemporary (and classical) music.  If, at the end of two years, it is clear this not needed and a Korean language ministry in the Episcopal Church in Hawai'i is not practical, I will help them move on.  If there is a self-sustaining congregation in the works, I will help gain residency and establish the new "parish" at the St. Luke's site or where most needed.  This is a three-year commitment to evaluate ministry and need.  I will act as the direct supervisor.  I hope we can use this as a model for other new ethnic communities for evaluation and development.  There may be funding from other church sources for this ministry.  The Oh's ministries require a partnership with other communities of faith (even schools) if another site is needed, or if their skills could be better used elsewhere during the three-year evaluation period.

We must work to establish new communities of faith (congregations) in new sites and in old buildings.  My prayer is that every worship site (local church building) of the Diocese could have several Episcopal communities of faith reaching different populations with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Some of these ministries will be based on language or culture, but others on generation or a particular community.  We have much to do to share the Good News of God's Love.

Please keep the Oh's in your prayers as this ministry unfolds.

"Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labour is not in vain."  1 Corinthians 15:58

Aloha ma o Iesu Kristo, ko makou Haku.

+Bob

The Right Reverend Robert L. Fitzpatrick

+Keali'ikoaokeakua 

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Postscript from the Bishop...

Episcopal Peace Fellowship

The Episcopal Peace Fellowship has an interesting webpage: "9/11 Resources from Vicki Garvey".  This coming September 11, (a Sunday) marks the 10th anniversary of that sad day in our nation's history, but for Episcopalians, it is also the 13th Sunday after Pentecost.  The assigned Propers for the day already provides us with quite helpful lessons, but Canon Vicky Garvey provides other helpful resources for worship and education.  Canon Garvey is Canon of Christian Formation in the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago, and has been a presenter at programs in our Diocese.  I certainly hope all our congregations are preparing carefully for that important Sunday in our national consciousness.  Mahalo, Bishop Bob

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Presbyter's Day: A meeting of the priests of the Diocese of Hawai'i

Thursday, August 11, St. Andrew's Cathedral, Honolulu

Presbyter's Day is the semiannual meeting of the priests of the Diocese for collegiality, education, and conversation with the Bishop. 

The next meeting, taking place on Thursday, August 11, will be on communication and how it affects our own relationships with parishioners and the relationships within our conregations.  The focus will be on communication skills and values development that can transform or strengthen the culture and relationships of the parish.  The leader will be Dr. Kahu Kaleo Patterson, President of the Pacific Justice and Reconciliation Center.

For more information and to register, visit the diocesan website here, or contact Canon Liz Beasley, at 808-536-7776, ext. 326 - Neighbor islands call 800-522-8418.

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Diocesan Legacy Society Celebrations Continue

Saturday, August 13, on Oahu

If you have remembered an Episcopal ministry in your estate plans, you are a member of the Diocese's Ho'ike Ulu Legacy Society.  Annual luncheon celebrations have been taking place on all the main islands, with the next event scheduled for August 13, at the Mandalay Restaurant in Honolulu.  For more information about the Legacy Society and to RSVP, please visit the diocesan website here, or contact Jane Tonokawa, Chair of the Planned Giving Commission, at 808-261-5126.

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Change in date for Iolani Guild Gathering

A previously posted announcement for the meeting of the Iolani Guild has been changed from September 10, to Saturday, August 27, from 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.  Anyone who is interested in learning more about this dynamic group is invited to attend...and bring a salad to share!  For more information, visit the diocesan website here, or email Ann Hansen. 

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Transforming Stewardship in Your Parish

The national Program Officer for Stewardship, The Rev. Laurel Johnston, will be leading a workshop on Saturday, September 10, 2011, at St. Andrew's Cathedral in Honolulu.  Clergy and lay leaders are encouraged to attend as a team to make the most of this unique opportunity.

Rev. Johnston will demonstrate how stewardship is central to a Christian life and how to build on this core understanding to develop high-commitment congregations.  Participants will learn the best practices that infuse the spirituality of stewardship into the life of the parish.

This workshop is sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i and the National Office of Stewardship, so there is no charge to attend and lunch will be provided.  Connect with your congregational leaders and register now.  For more information and to download the registration form, visit the diocesan website or click here.

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Safeguarding God's Children Classes being offered on Oahu and Maui

Safeguarding God's Children classes will be taking place on Saturday, September 17, on Oahu and Maui.  The classes are free and are required every year for all clergy, church employees, Vestry and Bishop's Committee members, as well as all volunteers who work with or around children. 

The Oahu class will be held at St. Timothy's in Aiea, from 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., with check-in beginning at 8:00 a.m.  Registration deadline is Wednesday, September 14. For more information on this class and how to register, please visit the diocesan website listing or go directly to the event home page here.

The Maui class will be held at Good Shepherd Church in Wailuku, beginning at 1:30p.m. For more information, please visit the diocesan website listing here. 

To view the Safe Church policies for the Diocese of Hawai'i, click here.   

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Information & forms for the 43rd Annual Meeting of Convention available online

Information and forms for the upcoming Annual Meeting of Convention are now available on the diocesan website.  The deadline for all forms is Tuesday, September 13, 2011, except for the Exhibit Form, which has an earlier due date of September 1.  Also included are documents pertaining to shared travel expenses which are due by July 31, 2011, and procedures for travel reservations for all delegates.  Click here to go directly to the convention information site. 

Questions may be directed to EventSupport@episcopalhawaii.org, or call Lani Kaaihue at (toll-free neighbor islands) 800-522-8418, or on Oahu, 808-536-7776, ext. 309. 

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Japanese-English New Testaments Available 

If you are in need of Japanese-English New Testament books, the Bishop's Office has sixty copies that are available for pick-up.  (They will not be mailed.)  Please contact Irina Martikainen, Secretary to the Bishop, at BishopSecretary@episcopalhawaii.org, with any questions or to reserve your copies. Irina can also be reached at 808-536-7776, ext. 302. 

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What's Happening in The Episcopal Church? 

Announcements from around The Episcopal Church...

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Episcopal Church "1st Fridays at 4"

Online gatherings to discuss innovative ministry development  

Join the Episcopal Church online gathering "1st Fridays at 4" and participate in discussions about Fresh Expressions or emergent ministries.  This offering is sponsored by the Episcopal Church Office of Mnistry Redevelopment and coordinated by the Rev. Thomas Brackett, Missioner for Church Planting, Ministry Redevelopment and Fresh Expressions.

The next online gathering is scheduled for Friday, August 5, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern time (11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in Hawaii), and will feature Rev. Jimmy Bartz, who leads Thad's, an experimental community of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles.  Participation is available three ways: telephone, telephone with live video stream on the web, telephone and participate in video conference with a webcam.

For more information on participating or to watch the video conference, go to: http://bit.ly/bgP5xg, or click here. For more information and particpation codes, contact Rev. Brackett at tbrackett@episcopalchurch.org. No advance registration is required.

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Jubilee Ministry Grant Applications Now Being Accepted

Applications for 2011 and 2012 Jubilee Ministry grants are now being accepted in four categories for mission and ministry throughout the Episcopal Church.

The two categories for the 2011 grants are:

- Diocesan Initiatives

- Health and Nutrition

The deadline for these grants is October 1, 2011.

The two categories for the 2012 grants are:

- Asset Based Community Development (ABCD)

- Workshop funding and Summer Camp Programs

The deadline for the 2012 grants is December 30, 2011.

Jubilee Ministries are congregations or agencies with connections to The Episcopal Church whose mission efforts affect the lives of those in need, addressing basic human needs and justice issues.  Grants to Jubilee ministries are awarded annually.

Detailed information and application forms can be found at www.episcopalchurch.org/jubilee.

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Episcopal Church Office of Communications presents White Paper on social media for congregations

The Episcopal Church Office of Communication has issued a White Paper to guide congregations and to assist them in understanding the many potentials available for growth, expansion and telling their stories through social media. 

"We saw the need to write a guide that Episcopal congregatons could use and would speak to them, but at the same time, we wanted to 'borrow' as much as we could from the business world," commented Jake Dell, Episcopal Church senior manager of Digital Marketing and Advertising.  "Episcopal congregations already know they need to be online and active in creating local excitement about their mission and ministries," Dell said.  "What they may no know is how easy the web has become to use."

Included in free Social Media and The Episcopal Church are:  Six Best Practices, "How to" tips for each practice, and separate sections on church websites and dealing with negative social media. 

Social Media and The Episcopal Church is available here:

http://episcopal.ekklesia360.com/white-paper/

For more information, contact Dell at jdell@episcopalchurch.org.

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In case you missed it, here are important announcements from the last issue of the E-Chronicle.   

Bishop's Summer Reading List

Be sure to visit the diocesan website to read Bishop Bob's message and summer reading list, which includes a recommendation for all DJ11 and Convention delegates.  Click here to read all about it.   

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Disciple's Journey 2011: Born of Water, Born of Spirit

The pilgrimage we have called Disciple's Journey, continues in 2011.  DJ11 will take its theme, Born of Water, Born of Spirit, from the book by the same name. DJ11 is scheduled for Friday, October 28, immediately preceding the Annual Convention of the Diocese, at the Cathedral of St. Andrew.  All members of the Diocese are welcome to attend DJ11, and every delegate to Diocesan Convention is urged to attend.  To read more about DJ11 on the diocesan website, click here.   

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Announcing the 43rd Annual Meeting of the Convention

This year's Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i, will be held on Saturday, October 29, 2011, at the Cathedral of St. Andrew.  To read Bishop Bob's letter in its entirety announcing this year's annual meeting, click here.  

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IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Did you miss an edition of the E-News?  Listed below are the titles of some recently published announcements to be aware of. To see the complete article, visit Previous E-News Editions on the diocesan website,and click on the desired issue.

7/18/11:

Canon Liz Beasley returns from Sabbatical and into a new position

New Hours for the Office of the Bishop

Effective August 1, 2011, the office hours for the Office of the Bishop will be changed from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Diocesan Altar Guild Seeks Help: Sewing help needed!

Announcing the Province VIII Altar Guild Meeting:  Hands and Hearts and Minds

United Thank Offering Fall Ingathering approaching

The United Thank Offering (UTO) Fall ingathering will be taking place on Sunday, September 11, 2011.

Sacred Sojourns - September travel offerings

Two fabulous travel opportunities for women are being offered by former rector of St. Elziabeth's, Jodene Hawkins.

Become a friend of SAM!

Did you know that one of the best-selling books in the Episcopal church in recent years is written by one of our own clergy in Hawai'i?

7/6/2011:

The Rev. Walter Brownridge Called to be Dean of the Cathedral

(Bishop Fitzpatrick announces the new Dean of the Cathedral of St. Andrew's.)

Open Auditions for a Unique Child & Adult choir

Island-wide auditions are now being held for the Hawai'i Sacred Choir.

COPIM Focuses on Needs of Pacific Islanders

How much do you know about The Iolani Guild?

Learn more at a meeting on Saturday, September 10.

Grant Applications being accepted for Episcopal Church innovative leadership development progams

Applications are now being accepted for the 2012 Roanridge Grants.

6/1/2011:

New Parking Procedures at St. Andrew's Cathedral

Save the Date! Cool Congregations: An Earth Stewardship Program

Training and workshops on Saturday, September 17

Pilot Program nurtures leadership for Episcopal Young Adults

Applications being accepted for the next session in Seattle, WA, August 27-September 1

Everyone, Everywhere 2011 Event

Four-day conference in Estes Park, Colorado, October 13-16

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