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The E-Newspaper of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i

Reporting on the events & activities in our Diocese and beyond... 

 April 2012
In This Issue
Bishop's Message
Queen Emma & Lent Madness
Aloha 'Oe Fr. Miner
Leaving a Legacy to your church
O'AHU PARISH NEWS
KAUA'I PARISH NEWS
MAUI PARISH NEWS
THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH & BEYOND

Bishop's Calendar

 

***** APRIL *****

 

Regional Confirmations

April 14 - Big Island

St. Augustine's, Kapaau

April 22 - West O'ahu

St. George's, Honolulu

April 28 - Maui

Good Shepherd, Wailuku

 

Visitations:

April 1

St. Paul's, Honolulu

 

Other:

April 3

Preach at St. Andrew's Priory

April 5

Maundy Thursday Service, Cathedral of St. Andrew

April 6

Good Friday Service, St. Paul's

April 7

The Great Vigil, Cathedral of St. Andrew

April 8

Easter Services, Cathedral of St. Andrew

April 9

Annual visit to 'Iolani Chapel

April 10

Preach at St. Andrew's Priory

April 12

Lunch with Retired Clergy

April 15 - 18

Concordat Council Meeting, Tampa, Florida

April 27

Preach at 'Iolani Chapel

 

***** MAY *****

 

Regional Confirmations

May 5 - Windward Oahu

Camp Mokule'ia, Waialua

May 12 - Kauai

St. Michael's , Lihue

May 20 - Honolulu

St. Elizabeth's, Honolulu

 

Other:

May 2

Priory Class of 2012 Bishop's Reception, Honolulu

May 8

Bishop's Office Planning/Staff Retreat

May 12

Ordination: Amy Crowe, St. Michael's, Lihue, Kaua'i

May 17

Preach at St. Andrew's Priory

May 19

Standing Committee & Diocesan Council Meetings

May 26

Seabury Hall Graduation, Makawao, Maui

May 27

Pentecost Service, Cathedral of St. Andrew

May 27

Priory Baccalaureate Service, Honolulu

 

Stay Informed!

Connect directly to the Diocesan website:
 

Beasley's Blog

Canon Liz Beasley shares her thoughts and wisdom.  Click  on the Beasley's Blog link above to read her latest entry.

Share your stories...

We want to feature stories and photos about the people, activities and events in your parish & community.  Send your submissions to:

Bishop's Message

 
Bishop Fitzpatrick

Aloha ke Akua:

 

As a Diocesan Ohana, these past few months have included the unexpected deaths of Father Saimone Lino and Mrs. Maureen Murray, the wife of Father Austin Murray. It has been some time since we have experienced the sudden death of an active priest or of a clergy spouse. I also know that several congregations have suffered losses in recent months. Such deaths are part of life, but they bring sorrow. Such deaths also remind us of the reality of life. We are finite creatures and we too shall die.


The Book of Common Prayer states (on page 445): "The Minister of the Congregation is directed to instruct the people, from time to time, about the duty of Christian parents to make prudent provision for the well being of their families, and of all persons to make wills, while they are in health, arranging for the disposal of their temporal goods, not neglecting, if they are able, to leave bequests for religious and charitable uses."


Making plans, writing wills, establishing trusts and leaving directions for the future in preparation for our own deaths is not morbid or unchristian. We live in the certain hope of the resurrection and preparing for physical death is part of life. We must discuss with our families, even while young adults, our intentions and desires. We must plan with life insurance and savings to care for our families. I also think that it is part of our duty as members of the Episcopal Church to leave something for the work and the mission of the Church.


The Book of Common Prayer also instructs us (on page 490) that: "The death of a member of the Church should be reported as soon as possible to, and arrangements for the funeral should be made in consultation with, the Minister of the Congregation. Baptized Christians are properly buried from the church. The service should be held at a time when the congregation has opportunity to be present."


And in The Book of Common Prayer on page 507:


"The liturgy for the dead is an Easter liturgy. It finds all its meaning in the resurrection. Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we, too, shall be raised.


"The liturgy, therefore, is characterized by joy, in the certainty that 'neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.'


"This joy, however, does not make human grief unchristian. The very love we have for each other in Christ brings deep sorrow when we are parted by death. Jesus himself wept at the grave of his friend. So, while we rejoice that one we love has entered into the nearer presence of our Lord, we sorrow in sympathy with those who mourn."


In light of these past few months, Bea and I have made arrangements to review our wills and plans in case of death. Our sons are now through college. We have new needs and concerns. We have made provision to leave a portion of our estate to the Diocese. Likewise, we have talked about end-of-life care if needed. We have written down our preferences for our funerals. We have talked to our sons.


I share below my plan for preparations and burial after my death. I am placing this in my file at the Office. (All clergy and clergy spouses are welcome to place such a direction in the clergy file in the Office of the Bishop, and I would hope congregations have made provision for parishioners to keep such directions in local churches.)


I offer my plan to encourage everyone to plan for their eventual death and to aid families in times of grief.


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


Aloha ma o Iesu Kristo, ko mākou Haku,


+Bob


The Right Reverend Robert L. Fitzpatrick
+ Keali'ikoaokeakua

 

To read the Wishes of Robert LeRoy Keali'ikoaokeakua Fitzpatrick regarding preparations and burial after his death, click HERE.

 

Queen Emma & Lent Madness

 

queen emmaFor those that took part in some of the "madness" that hit our Diocese this past Lenten season, thank you for your support of Queen Emma, who rocked the Lent Madness world with an incredible showing.  To those that didn't, thank you for tolerating all the e-mails that went out reminding folks to vote.  

 

Lent Madness began in 2010 as the brainchild of the Rev. Tim Schenck, who was seeking a fun, engaging way for people to learn about the men and women comprising the Church's Calendar of Saints.  With its growing popularity, this year, Lent Madness partnered up with Forward Movement and Executive Director Scott Gunn, to create a dedicated website and expand it's reach.

 

The Bishop's Office was alerted to the fact that Queen Emma was one of 32 saints selected for this year's Golden Halo Challenge by a member of our Diocesan Council and St. Clement's Church member, Keane Akao.  An announcement quickly went out, and Hawai'i responded!  The Bishop was actively supporting the effort, and our Queen made it all the way to the final round, eliciting a ton of comments from near and far. 

 

Although some may criticize the absurdity of saints battling for a Golden Halo, creator Schenck explains the essence of Lent Madness as "...allowing people to get to know some amazing people who have come before us in the faith and reminding one another that there's no reason for a dreary Lenten discipline. If this helps people connect with the risen Christ during this season of penitence and renewal, and have a bit of fun in the process, then it continues to be worthwhile."

 

They certainly accomplished this, and a lot of people now know a lot more about our beloved Queen and all that she has done for the people of Hawai'i.  AMEN!

Aloha 'Oe Father Miner

A Message from the Editor...  

(Bishop Fitzpatrick's message above was written prior to the death of Fr. Miner on April 9, 2012.)

 

Fr Miner Imogene

At 90+ years of age, some would think death is not "unexpected", but when the news of Fr. Miner spread rapidly among members of All Saints' Church on Kaua'i, it was received with shock and sadness.  Just two weeks earlier, Fr. Miner shared his last sermon with us as a supply clergy.  Although he admitted he was "slowing down", there was no sign of it as he spoke with his usual candor and humor.  I sat through both services, (yes, I love listening to him) but it was during the second service that he had folks erupting with laughter, reminding me why I admired him so.  A fountain of wisdom, his message of love, tolerance and deep abiding faith was always delivered with humor, humbleness and gratitude.

 

Like the hundreds, no, thousands of people he touched, I grieve deeply and will miss him dearly as we all share a personal story of our beloved Fr. Miner. My experience was truly an example of God working in my life.  Truth be known, Fr. Miner was directly responsible for my becoming an active Christian and attending church regularly.  (Becoming an Episcopalian is reserved for yet another wonderful member of the clergy, and you know who you are!)

  

It was just about 15 years ago when I first stepped through the doors of All Saints' Episcopal Church through the urging of my cousin.  She said that my son, not quite three years old, would love the Sunday school. So there I was, very tentatively stepping into a church I knew nothing about, as my son was shuffled off to the Sunday school class.  I sat looking at this elderly man with a grey beard and twinkle in his eye not knowing what to expect.  By the end of his sermon, I was hooked.  I had become an instant Fr. Miner fan and couldn't wait for Sundays to arrive to hear his precious gems of wisdom and insight!  So although I came for my son's benefit, the Lord showed me that "mom" needed Sunday school too.


Unbeknownst to me at the time, it was also Fr. Miner's first Sunday as the interim pastor of All Saints'.  I just thought he was the priest who had been there forever, along with his wife, Imogene, who is the embodiment of grace and kindness.  Of course I was sad when his time with our congregation ended, but he was always available to give advice and help me through any spiritual crisis.  How gracious is our Lord for allowing us to hear him one last time... I will treasure his words of wisdom forever and praise God for blessing me so.  The Lord be with Imogene and their ohana, as we share in their great loss.

 

Aloha 'Oe Fr. Miner... A hui hou kakou... 

  

DIOCESAN  NEWS

Leaving a Legacy to YOUR Church

By Jane Tonokawa, Chairperson, Planned Giving

Taro Legacy Society

Sara, age 75, has considerable savings. She seeks to increase her income, reduce taxes, and do something substantial for the parish's endowment program. After discussion with a representative of the church and her own financial advisor, she decides to contribute $10,000 through a charitable gift annuity. Her advantages are multiple: 

  • She guarantees income, generally larger than a savings account, for the rest of her life. Currently, this rate is 5% or more.
  • She receives a one-time tax deduction based on the gift portion of her annuity.
  • A significant portion of subsequent income is free of income taxes.
  • She has the satisfaction of knowing her gift will underwrite ministries for generations to come.

The Planned Giving Committee of this Diocese is available to help individuals and churches promote the awareness of how planned gifts can be life-giving to the congregation. Look around your own church and see what has been possible because of a past member's legacy gift. You may be surprised.

 

The Episcopal Church Foundation offers many informational resources in this area. Please feel free to visit their website HERE, to peruse the materials available to everyone. One of the most popular gifts is the charitable gift annuity, where the donor can receive income for life. Read on ...

 

Laying up treasure on Earth is not a goal for Christians. 

Wisely using what we have, is.

 

A charitable gift annuity (CGA), administered by the Episcopal Church Foundation, enables you to make a substantial gift to your church, diocese, or another Episcopal organization now and receive guaranteed income from those assets for yourself or a beneficiary that you name as long as you and/or the beneficiary lives.

 

This is one way to put your treasure where your heart is - in the church - and still take care of your needs and those of your family. A CGA is a contract between you and the Episcopal Church Foundation, which guarantees a fixed amount of income for life. You can fund your annuity with cash or marketable securities.

 

HOW IT WORKS...

  • You receive an income tax deduction in the year that you establish the annuity for the gift portion of the contract.
  • You receive a guaranteed periodic income that is not affected by the fluctuations of the marketplace.
  • You receive a portion of your annuity income free of federal income taxes.
  • You generally are able to prorate any capital gains taxes over the expected life of the annuity payments.
  • You are free from concern about money management.

FEATURES...

  • The minimum amount required to establish a charitable gift annuity through the Episcopal Church Foundation is $5,000.
  • The minimum age to receive income is 55.
  • The expected annuity rate depends upon whether one or two people will receive income from the gift and upon the age of the recipient(s). For example, the guaranteed rate is higher for a 75-year-old donor than for a 60-year-old donor. The annuity rate is based on those recommended by the American Council on Gift Annuities.

ECF can provide a customized illustration showing your expected income tax deductions and  projected income based on the size of your gift and the age(s) of the beneficiary(ies).

 

For more information and/or to be put into contact with someone from the Episcopal Church Foundation with no obligation, please e-mail Jane Tonokawa, Planned Giving Committee chairperson.

 

If you are a member of a church in this Diocese and have remembered an Episcopal ministry in your estate plans, please contact Jane. You are a member of the Ho`ike Ulu Legacy Society.

 

O'AHU PARISH NEWS

 

Spring Break Fun at Camp Mokule'ia! 

Gateball Mokuleia 
Children from the Epiphany Episcopal Church Sunday school enjoyed playing Gateball during their Spring break retreat at Camp Mokule'ia.  Fr. David Blanchett of Calvary Kaneohe Episcopal Mission was the instructor.  (Photo provided by David Blanchett.) 
____________________________________________________

 

The following appeared in the St. Elizabeth's April issue of their newsletter, "Vine & Branches". 

Aloha Music Academy Bluegrass Festival at St. Elizabeth's

St Eliz Aloha Music collage

St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church once again hosted the Bluegrass Music Festival from March 19 - 22, 2012.  This event brings together young musicians from the mainland who provide music instruction to kids and adults on a variety of instruments including the mandolin, banjo, guitar, bass, fiddle and others.  Jam sessions took place in the afternoons and evenings and the week was topped off with everyone joining in a worship service and singing rousing renditions of "Oh, When the Saints Come Marching In" and Woody Guthrie's "Jesus Christ."  To view a video on YouTube of one of their sessions, click HERE.  (Photos from the Vine & Branches newsletter.)
 ____________________________________________________
 
The following article appeared in the St. Nicholas April newsletter.
"The God Squad" - Relay for Life Walk to Fight Cancer
st nick relay 4 life
Within the last two years at St. Nicholas, cancer has claimed the lives of three of our ohana.  Two are fighting cancer now and at least four have survived. Luella Windisch, a survivor working with the American Cancer Society, put together a team from St. Nicholas called "The God Squad" to participate in the Relay for Life event on March 23 and 24, at Kapolei High School football stadium. Nearly twenty people signed up to join "The God Squad" and take turns walking for the fight against cancer from 6:00 p.m. on Friday, until 6:00 a.m. on Saturday. The team members also raised money for the American Cancer Society totaling a phenomenal $2,113, all of which goes towards cancer research.

It was truly an awesome experience. Over 100 teams registered for the walk, with groups from schools and churches to businesses large and small. There were well over 1,000 people walking in shifts all night long that included octogenarians and babies in strollers. People were coming and going all through the night. The weather was perfect (none of the predicted rain fell), and there was enough food to feed an army, several armies!  During the night "campers" enjoyed various types of musical groups, Polynesian dancers, a Lion Dance, and a luminary lighting ceremony honoring lost loved ones.  We're going to do it again next year. Join us!  (Photos taken from the St. Nick newsletter)

 

KAUA'I  PARISH  NEWS
  
Annual Jazz Festival at St. Michael's sets new records!
In its 6th year, the St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church's annual Jazz Festival reached new heights, attracting hundreds of music lovers from around the world!  During the three-day event in February, their Friday night concert was a first-time sell-out, and their Sunday service "Jazz Mass" set a record attendance of over 550!  The Jazz Festival has grown to be one of Kauai's landmark community events, bringing together top musicians from around Hawai'i and the mainland.  Mark your calendars!  The 7th Annual All Angels Jazz Festival is set for February 1 - 3, 2013!
Jazz mass strip 
The Jazz Masses on February 5 were dedicated to Fr. Bill Miller's friend, vocalist Jo Carol Moffett, who passed away unexpectedly last year.  Known for her loving and enthusiastic spirit, her memory set the theme of "I'll say, 'Yes, Lord!'"  Pictured above, a big mahalo goes to the Gospel Divas, Karen Dickinson, Barbara Johnson Tucker, Joan Hubert and April Hubert, and to the Kaua'i Jazz Mass Choir.  Many thanks to musicians Horace Alexander, David Yukimura, David Braun, Steve Dubey, Dennis McGraw and (not pictured) the Rev. Jimmy D. Hunter, Dean Taba and Abe Lagrimas, Jr.  In addition to the soloists and musicians, the Kaua'i All Star Choir helped to raise the roof!  The masses were produced by Henry Adam Curtis, pianist, arranger and St. Michael's Musical Director; Randy Leonard, Choral Director; and Father Bill Miller.   (Photos by Danny Hashimoto.)
___________________________________________________
 
All Saints' hosts Operation Tropic Care Kaua'i
Tropic Care Kauai
Despite the worse storm system to hit Kaua'i in years, the long anticipated Tropic Care Kaua'i operation
forged ahead, providing over $2 million in free medical health care to 10,000 people during the course of 11 days.  All Saint's Episcopal Church was one of three sites on the island hosting Tropic Care Kaua'i, a military training operation for reservists to set-up and provide emergency care in a disaster.  All Saints' member, Dileep Bal, was instrumental in bringing this program to Kaua'i.  As head of the Health Department, he orchestrated the joining of County, Federal and State officials to see this come to fruition.  Folks on Kaua'i reaped the benefits with completely free medical care with no restrictions.  The lines were long, and many showed up at 6:00 a.m. to secure a spot, but no one was complaining with the free glasses, free dental services and medical exams being received.
 
All Saints' was transformed into a disaster relief site with the church serving as a medical clinic, the Memorial Hall as the pharmacy and vision center, and the gym kitchen as the dental station.  The 400+ military personnel assigned to this event welcomed everyone with an attitude of professionalism and calm. With the success of this operation, it is hoped that the military will return to Hawai'i next year.
  
MAUI  PARISH  NEWS
  
Good Shepherd celebrates the 10th anniversary
of its Ka 'Ohana Kitchen
 GS 'ohana kitchen collage
On Sunday, February 26, members of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Wailuku celebrated the 10th Anniversary of their Ka 'Ohana Kitchen with a grand ho'olaule'a.  The celebration began with a worship service and blessing of the facility, and the community was invited to share in a day of food, entertainment, door prizes and children's activities, on the church's front lawn.

 

Since 2002, the Ka 'Ohana Kitchen has been serving a free, no-questions-asked hot meal to the community every Sunday.  In the Maui Weekly news dated February 23, 2012, Rev. Marvin Foltz said, "Many of the individuals we serve do not qualify for any other program. Our church is truly blessed as others have joined our nine church feeding teams." 

 

Church member, Mary Lou Mellinger, who is the chairperson of the Outreach Committee at Good Shepherd, was also grateful for the community support.  "When we celebrate this 10-year anniversary, it's not only Good Shepherd that celebrates; we're celebrating the success of a community effort," said Mellinger. "And at the core of this celebration are the volunteers, individuals, businesses and organizations who have given so much of their time, talent and treasures."  (Photos are from the Good Shepherd Facebook site.)

 

THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH & BEYOND
 
The following announcement is from the Anglican Communion News Service posted on March 16, 2012:
  
Archbishop of Canterbury to be Master of
Magdalene College, Cambridge
Rowan WilliamsArchbishop Rowan Williams has today announced his acceptance of the position of Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge with effect from January 2013. He will therefore be stepping down from the office of Archbishop of Canterbury at the end of December 2012. Dr Williams' intentions have been conveyed to The Queen, who is Supreme Governor of the Church of England and who formally appoints the Archbishop of Canterbury.

 

Dr Williams was appointed the one hundred and fourth Archbishop of Canterbury in 2002. He said today:

 

"It has been an immense privilege to serve as Archbishop of Canterbury over the past decade, and moving on has not been an easy decision.  During the time remaining there is much to do, and I ask your prayers and support in this period and beyond.  I am abidingly grateful to all those friends and colleagues who have so generously supported Jane and myself in these years, and all the many diverse parishes and communities in the Church of England and the wider Anglican Communion that have brought vision, hope and excitement to my own ministry.  I look forward, with that same support and inspiration, to continuing to serve the Church's mission and witness as best I can in the years ahead."

 

Dr. Williams will continue to carry out all the duties and responsibilities of the Archbishop of Canterbury, both for the Church of England and the Anglican Communion, until the end of the year. The Crown Nominations Commission will consider in due course the selection of a successor.

 

The following is a statement from the Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori regarding the announcement:

 

Jefferts Schori"I am grateful for Rowan Williams' service as Archbishop of Canterbury during an exceedingly challenging season. We can all give thanks for his erudition and persistence in seeking reconciliation across a rapidly changing Anglican Communion. His leadership of that reconciling work through Indaba and Ubuntu is bearing remarkable fruit, and I believe this will be his most important legacy. I give thanks that his spiritual and intellectual gifts will continue to bless the larger world, albeit from a different vantage point. May the coming months bring well-deserved peace to him and his family, and may we join in blessing his ministry. 'Well done, good and faithful servant!'"
 
The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori
Presiding Bishop and Primate
The Episcopal Church

 

CONTACT INFORMATION

Sybil Nishioka, Editor & Communications Contractor

 

The electronic Hawaiian Church Chronicle is the official news publication of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i.  All policy, editorial and administrative decisions are under the direction of the editor in consultation with the Bishop's Office.  The Chronicle welcomes suggestions, story ideas, comments and opinions from its readers.  Send articles, letters, news and photographs (electronic files preferred) to:
News, Office of the Bishop, 229 Queen Emma Square, Honolulu, HI  96813
(808) 536-7776; Neighbor Islands: (800) 522-8418

 

The Chronicle does not assume responsibility for the return of photographs or manuscripts.

 

The deadline for the June/July issue is May 23, 2012