For as long as Steve has been at All Saints', he has worked behind the scenes, never expecting or wanting thanks for all that he does. It is likely this humble servant of God, who shuns the spotlight, will find this article a bit unnerving. His beliefs and actions are truly Christ-centered; a "steward extraordinaire" who gives purely from a sense of being blessed and wanting to share those blessings.  

Steve is originally from California, and moved to Hawai'i as a teenager when his dad's job brought them to the islands. He graduated from Kailua High School on the Windward side of O'ahu, and moved to Kaua'i in the late 70s. This is where he met his wife Tracy, started a family, and became a part of the All Saints' 'ohana almost 25 years ago.

Steve took early retirement from Coca Cola several years ago, and now spends his time doing what he loves-- creating, tinkering, fixing, re-purposing and refurbishing things. He gardens, does lots of handy work, and has been seen quietly coming down to All Saints to clean windows and do any task that is asked of him. He is always one of the first to offer assistance to help set up or breakdown at any church event or activity, and for many years, has served as one of the "go to guys" for projects around the church, including installing the accordion doors in Memorial Hall. He takes great care and craftsmanship in all that he does, reflecting the love of our Lord in his work.  

On Sunday, September 7, Homecoming Sunday welcomed back the choir and regular Sunday school classes during the 9:30 service, and this year, a mini Ministry Fair was held between the two services. Information about the different ministries of the church were set up on tables around the lanai.  Visitors and members could browse and learn more about the different offerings, and sign up for more information or to volunteer. 

Pictured above, April Womack holds up the display for The Episcopal Church Women (ECW). A new ministry being offered was shared by Linda Crocker (pictured in navy blue second picture from right), who is a member of The Order of the Daughters of the King (DOK). Her table grew great interest as many of the women in the ECW women's group, had never heard about it. DOK is a prayer ministry that is established nationwide, and includes women who are communicants of the Episcopal Church, churches in communion with it, or churches in the Historic Episcopate. To learn more about DOK in Hawai'i, you can visit the Diocesan website HERE, or see Linda.  

There was a new face in the choir, with Bill Brown joining the dedicated group of singers. Pictured above left, Jan Hashizume stares up at the new choir microphone towering overhead, while at right, Fr. Ryan's new "toy" (Sound Board & Mixer) features enough bells and whistles that would delight any sound person or roadie.  

The annual series of movie nights on the lawn continues its popularity with the community, drawing in well over 400 people to its first showing on Friday, September 12. The Lego Movie, popular not only with children, but teens and adults as well, saw a packed lawn with folks arriving an hour before the show started.  

The Ke Akua Youth Group, severely impacted by the loss of graduates and parents, had their best night of sales to date, with dollar hot dogs, chili and 50 cent popcorn flying out as fast as they could make it. Despite it being her birthday, Faith Shiramizu left the audience to go make a run to the store for supplies that were running low!

Unfortunately, a steady drizzle dampened the night just before The Lego Movie ended, leaving a much smaller crowd for the second feature, Divergent.  The rain stopped shortly after the show began, and this exciting drama garnered a hefty applause at the end from the crowd that stayed, clearly happy for doing so. 

Two movie nights remain! Be sure to come on by Saturday, September 27 and October 18, to enjoy some great food, movies and a fun evening with family and friends under the stars!

 

Be sure to stay abreast of all the happenings and offerings in our Diocese and world-wide Episcopal Church. Check out the Diocesan newspaper, the E-Chronicle for coverage of events with special feature articles, or learn about upcoming events and announcements in the Diocesan E-News HERE, Recent highlights include:

• New Hours and New Faces in the Office of the Bishop
• Proposed Resolutions & Nominiations for Convention XLVI now posted
• Apply Now for Grant Opportunities
• Observing Lesser Feasts
• Christ Memorial to Open New Food Pantry
• Celebrating the Ordination of Women

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