1 December 2011

World AIDS Day

Aloha!       

Shortly after the rush of the holiday season, the month of January arrives with the necessary business we must conduct as a parish.  The Vestry presents the budget to the parish, and we have elections for our vestry and diocesan convention candidates. This year we will be electing a junior warden, as well as three vestry members. For our diocesan convention we have four delegates to send; three are elected and the fourth is our senior warden.

Serving on the Vestry is an incredibly vital ministry for St. Mark's. The Vestry works in partnership with the rector for guiding the direction of the parish. Together we are responsible for the vision and vitality of St. Mark's.  It is a special gift to serve on the Vestry, for one has the opportunity to discern how the Holy Spirit is at work among us as a church, and then to take the necessary action to ensure ministry here is strong and flourishing.

A committee of the Vestry is currently approaching members of the parish to consider running for Vestry, as well as for Diocesan Convention. They are decisions that should be made with much prayer and discernment, for it comes with a great responsibility. Even better, the rewards are great, but only if one puts their heart and mind into the task. I pray that those who are being approached will arise to the task.

As well, if you feel you are called to serve on the Vestry or as a Diocesan Convention delegate, please speak with me or our Senior Warden, Michael Ida. It is not always a good thing to wait to be asked.  If you feel called, you should step forward.

On Sunday, January 15 at the 9:00 am Forum we will meet all of the candidates.  The Vestry will also present the budget for 2012 at this time, and they will share the parish strategic plan.  The strategic plan has been the result of many Vestry meetings and retreats, and we look forward to getting feedback from the congregation. 

On Saturday and Sunday, January 21 and 22, we will have our parish elections.  Voting will occur before the Saturday night vigil mass, as well as between the Sunday morning masses.

Plans are also in the works for a Sunday afternoon celebration of the many ministries of St. Mark's.  Elections will be announced at this event, great food will be enjoyed, we will thank our various parish ministries for the work they do, and we will even have a St. Mark's Award for someone who has served the parish in an outstanding manner.  More information will be forthcoming about this event!

Finally, if you have not thanked the members of our Vestry for their dedication to St. Mark's, it is time for you to do so.  They are a good Vestry, and they do a lot for St. Mark's.  All of them are busy with multiple ministries, serving each of us in diverse ways.  I am especially grateful for their dedication, leadership, and service in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Blessings,

Father Paul Lillie +

Rector of St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Honolulu

HIGH MASS HYMNS:

67, 76, 75, 54

The Presiding Bishop's Advent message is a video message this year.  To listen to her speak about Advent, click ADVENT MESSAGE. 

December 1

World AIDS Day

The presiding bishops of the Episcopal Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America have issued a join statement for World AIDS Day.

Begins December 3 & 4 

St. Mark's will once again have a Christmas Giving Tree. Beginning Saturday and Sunday, December 3 and 4, parishioners may choose an ornament off of the tree posted on the front doors of the church. The ornaments each have a gift listed for a child in the Holy Land with the appropriate monetary amount. We ask that the ornaments be returned with the monetary amount by December 17 or 18. The total amount will then be given to the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, benefiting children in the Holy Land. Please consider choosing an ornament and making a donation for this worthy cause.

MORE INFORMATION

Mark your calendars for these special occasions!

Saturday, December 10

Mass at 9:00 am in the Mary Chapel

Father Sasaki will celebrate mass in thanksgiving for his ordination.

Wednesday, December 21, St. Thomas Day

Mass at 6:00 pm in the Mary Chapel

Father Aiona will celebrate mass in thanksgiving for his ordination.

Friday, January 6, the Epiphany

Mass at 8:00 am in the Mary Chapel

Father Hitchcock will celebrate the ruby jubilee of his ordination.

Every Christmas St. Mark's has beautiful flowers adorning our altars and wonderful music offered at our liturgies.  You can help ensure this tradition continues.  Envelopes are in the back of the church for Christmas flower and music memorials and thanksgivings.