Hawaiian Church E-Chronicle

The Office of the Bishop has been fairly quiet lately, at least in the office (not necessarily on the phone or in emails!). Bishop Fitzpatrick has been on sabbatical since December 28. And on top of that, the Rev. Carol Arney is no longer on staff, now that her task of overseeing our Sesquicentennial celebrations and preparation for the 44th Annual Meeting of the Diocese have been completed. (Mahalo nui loa, Carol!)

On the other hand, we have been interviewing for two new part-time positions: a diocesan youth director and an administrative assistant to help us with clerical work in the Office of the Bishop. We hope to make an announcement soon about both these positions.

We in the office have also been aware that this is the time of the year for congregational annual meetings. I have received a number of questions about budgets, clergy compensation, elections, and qualifications for members of Vestries and Bishop's Committees. Irina has sent out the forms for reporting on your elections. (Don't forget, they're due February 19.) I pray that your annual meetings have gone well.

The past month saw the beginning of Waiolaihui'ia, our new priest formation program. We are meeting six times this year, over long weekends. The first weekend was January 18-21. I came away from the first weekend impressed by our students and grateful for the wisdom and dedication of our mentors and teachers. I pray that ke Akua may continue to watch over Waiolaihui'ia, blessing, guiding, and protecting us.

Speaking personally, this past month, with the Bishop gone, has added new spark (and urgency!) to my prayer life. I am reminded once again that ministry does not depend on ourselves alone. Not only do we depend on other people, but even more, we depend upon God. Ministry (and indeed, anything we do) goes much better if we simply do our part, pray, and step aside and let God work, leaving the results to God. Every day I think of the various situations I have heard about or dealt with that day and I offer them to God, asking that the power of God in Christ may be present in that situation: in those people or in that congregation.

I'm reminded of a homily delivered in Evening Prayer by one of our mentors during that first weekend that Waiolaihui'ia met. The homily was on a passage from the Letter to the Ephesians, which appears as a closing sentence for the services of Morning and Evening Prayer in our Book of Common Prayer. It is this:

"Glory to God, whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine: Glory to him from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever" (Ephesians 3:20-21).

May God's power work in you and in your church, doing more than you could ever think to ask or even imagine.

And I ask and remind you, keep Bishop Bob and Bea in your prayers during their sabbatical.

Blessings,

Liz+

The Rev. Canon Liz Beasley
Canon to the Ordinary

DIOCESAN NEWS

Stewardship as Ministry

By Peter Carson, Stewardship Chair, Emmanuel Episcopal Church

One particular paragraph on page 159 of Christianity After Religion, by Diana Butler Bass, has sent me off in a new direction in my stewardship journey:

"All Christian practices work in this way.

The practice of hospitality opens our hearts to those who are strangers; it anticipates that, in God's Kingdom, there will one day be no strangers.

The practice of forgiveness cleanses our souls from guilt and shame; it anticipates that, in God's kingdom, all will be forgiven.

The practice of charity shares what we have with those who suffer want; it anticipates that, in God's kingdom, there will be no more hunger, pain, sorrow, or fear.

The practice of stewardship creates a generous spirit; it anticipates that, in God's kingdom, money and possessions will cease to exist and that all is God's.

Practices shape us to be better, wiser, more gracious people now, even as these very practices anticipate in our lives and communities the reality of God's kingdom that has entered into the world and will one day be experienced in its fullness."

As I look back on my personal stewardship journey it struck me that it all began with a simple decision to practice being a good steward. As with all the above practices the first step is to be intentional about how I practice being a follower of Jesus. Getting to the intention was not always easy. Lee and I were living the life with hopes and dreams for our children, with grappling with what culture told us were the trappings of success, with trying to build a rainy day fund for the future and with trying to get through our daily activities with some modicum of comfort. This urgency to begin practicing being an intentional steward came after my first stewardship conference when we were told that we could not authentically talk to anyone about stewardship unless we were practicing stewards. Hearing this I realized the presenter was correct as I can only talk about what I practice and how it impacts my life. Lee and I discussed what to do and we decided if we wanted to grow into a couple with generous hearts then we needed to begin acting as if we already had a generous heart. We started small but with practice and perseverance we discovered the joys that come with practicing being generous.

Who knows with practice we may all live to see "God's Kingdom, where money and possessions cease to exist" and we realize that "all is God's."

'Iolani Guild Christmas Luncheon

Story and photos by Anne Dugdale Hansen

On Saturday, December 8, 2012, the 'Iolani Guild held their annual Christmas Luncheon and meeting in the Activity Room at St. Andrew's Priory. Before the meeting officially started, members had an opportunity to catch up with dear friends.

Kahu Kaleo Patterson opened the meeting by reading a Bible verse about going into the wilderness and then reflected on wao akua, the distant uninhabited mountain areas that for the Hawaiians, is considered the realm of the gods. 'Iolani Guild Vice President, Bea Fitzpatrick, reviewed the Guild's Board of Directors, history and goals.

Following the business portion of the meeting, Debbie Nakanelua-Richards described the impact that the 'Iolani Guild's four-year scholarship to St. Andrew's Priory has had on her daughter Mahina. Members continued with "telling our story", explaining in depth who they are, how they came to the 'Iolani Guild and the effect our churches has had on their lives. It was a time of closeness and learning.

There was a holiday gift exchange and closing out the luncheon was a raffle drawing for a beautiful Oriental rug. Funds raised from the raffle go towards the Guild's scholarship fund... and the lucky winner was Melvia Kawashima!

2012 was a productive year of rebuilding and members look forward to continued growth and new projects.

(Pictured above are Lahaina Jackman and Bea Fitzpatrick prepping the buffet line; Kahu Kaleo Patterson opens the meeting; Debbie Nakanelua-Richards shares her story; the Oriental rug raffle prize. If you would like to learn more about the 'Iolani Guild, visit their diocesan webpage HERE.)

Annual ECW Holiday Gathering

By Louise Aloy, President, Episcopal Church Women, Hawai'i

Saturday, December 15, 2012 - Wai'oli Tea Room in Manoa Valley

Above: Gail Hirozawa of St. Mary's with ECW President, Louise Aloy from Good Shepherd on Maui

It was a beautiful Saturday morning as the Episcopal Church Women from the Diocese of Hawai'i began to gather for their Annual Holiday Gathering. Forty-six women and one gentleman enjoyed a delicious brunch of scrambled eggs, apple chicken sausage, waffles with condiments, guava bread french toast with mixed berry compote, Wai'oli Bakery assorted scones, mixed fresh fruit platter and potatoes along with great coffee and tea.

We had our own private dining room decorated with festive holiday trimmings. Each guest brought a grab bag gift and as we called each table to grab a gift, we played a little game at each table. At least we tried to play a game, however, it seemed no one was interested in parting with their gift so even if I tried to enforce the game, there were no takers. It was pretty clear that no one wanted to go around the table to "swap" her gift for a better one. There was no need to, all of the grab bag gifts were great and well received!

'Twas da Night befo Christmas was read in Pidgin. It was hilarious and brought every table to laughter. We also played a Pidgin word game to name a favorite Christmas Carol. That was hilarious as well. It was all "good fun".

The highlight of the event was adopting the Episcopal Church Center for the Holidays. Each member was asked to bring something for the center. A list was given to us of what was needed at the center and all of the items listed below were given by the members. There was an ample supply as members were very generous in their giving of:

- disposable utensils such as forks, spoons, and chopsticks
- paper plates, paper napkins, paper towels, toilet paper
- drinks such as bottled water, canned juice or soda
- food items such as bags of rice, frozen pizza, and individually wrapped snacks (granola bars, candy bars, small bags of chips or cookies)

The center could always use more donations throughout the year. If anyone is interested in helping, please contact Malcolm Hee.

We ended the morning singing a couple of Christmas Carols and then there were lots of hugs and well wishes for the Christmas and New Year Holidays. A hui hou, until we meet again...

(Pictured at top is Fely Mariano and Linda Butay from St. Paul's; May Chock from St. Elizabeth's; Penelope Stover and her daughter Cindy, Edith Hanohano and Irene Valdez. Photos taken by Jan Motoshige of Good Samaritan.)

O'AHU PARISH NEWS

The First Christmas in Hawai'i at the Cathedral

Story and photos by Susan B. Hays, Cathedral of St. Andrew

Members from the Cathedral of St. Andrew and St. Peter's celebrated Christmas Eve with a tribute to the first Christmas in Hawai'i. The evening began in the Cathedral's Von Holt Room, where families gathered to hear Kilani Ventura tell the story of the first Christmas in Hawai'i, followed by the singing of Christmas carols led by Jennifer Steele on her ukulele. Dressed in elaborate costumes designed by Judy Martin, were Roth Puahala who portrayed King Kamehameha IV, and Bea Fitzpatrick in the role of Queen Emma.

Families then went on a special procession that took them to St. Peter's where candles were lit, and then all proceeded to the Cathedral where the Christmas Eve Family Service began. Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick's sermon was directed to the children, and spoke of a special friend he had as a child named "Casper". During Communion, the Bishop invited all the children to join him at the communion table. It was a special moment seeing all the children gathered around the table.

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The following appeared in the Parish of St. Clement's January 2013 Newsletter:

St. Clement's Lessons and Carols Sunday

Pictured above is a scene from St. Clement's "Lessons and Carols Sunday" that took place during their 10:15 am service on December 23, 2012. (Photo by Rev. Michael Barham)

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The following appeared in the St. Elizabeth January 2013 newsletter:

St. Elizabeth's Christmas Eve Music Extravaganza!

Members of St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church love to sing and if there was any doubt, all one needed to do was attend their Christmas Eve mass that featured six choirs! There was the Bell Choir, Children's Choir, Filipino Choir, Chuukese Choir, and TWO Tongan Choirs. There was also incredible organ music by Marie Wang and Naomi Yuen-Schat and a special dance by Anaseini Lino. It was a wonderful, heartfelt evening all offered up to the greater glory of God.

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Santa Visits Holy Nativity Christmas Eve Service

Did Santa really take time out from his busiest night to worship? He certainly did at Church of the Holy Nativity on Christmas Eve! Star Advertiser photographer Bruce Asato captured Santa kneeling in prayer during the live nativity Christmas Service of Lessons & Carols, with the Rev. Cn. David Kennedy, but it was the littlest angel, 20-month old Leilani Coles, who stole the show. She is pictured above flanked by fellow angels Nohea Chang and Madeline Schlieman. (Photo courtesy of Bruce Asato, Star Advertiser.)

KAUA'I PARISH NEWS

St. Michael's Youth Share Aloha with Children in Pakistan

The youth of St. Michael and All Angels in Lihue raised $800 for children in Pakistan, just in time for a great Christmas party. The effort began in October, when Fr. Bill Miller received an e-mail from Rev. Riaz Mubarek of St. Luke's Anglican Church in Abbottabad, Pakistan. He was looking for help to provide gifts for poor Christian and Muslim children in his area. The timing couldn't have been better, as Fr. Bill had just given a sermon on the shooting of a young Pakistani girl the day before, and members felt the call to do something to help the young people in Pakistan.

Youth and their leaders agreed to raise the funds that would provide items on the Pakistani children's wish list that included school supplies and basic neccessities like toothbrushes and toothpaste. St. Michael's youth worked long hard hours at a ranch to help raise the money, and the youngest children donated toys for a fundraising sale. On December 19, 2012, a total of $800 was wired over. Fr. Mubarek reported that they were able to purchase all the requested items and share them with the children at a memorable Christmas party and youth rally on December 23.

Pictured above are the St. Michael's youth with Fr. Bill on Christmas Day, holding a banner with a rainbow connecting Kaua'i to Pakistan. (Photo from the St. Michael and All Angels Facebook site.)

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All Saints' Spreads Christmas Cheer on Kaua'i

After a busy fall season with the community Thanksgiving luncheon and holiday craft fair, All Saints' members still found time to spread some Christmas cheer on Kaua'i. The ladies of the All Saints' ECW (Episcopal Church Women) made Christmas baskets for the children of the Hale Ho'omalu families. Hale Ho'omalu is a family support center run by Child & Family Services. Church members also sang Christmas Carols to the patients at the long-term nursing care facility at Mahelona Hospital, while Ke Akua Youth Group members passed out mini toiletry gifts. (Photos by Marge Akana and Janece Yatsko.)

MAUI PARISH NEWS

Good Shepherd Announces New Lay Leadership

Newly elected and returning Vestry members and Convention Delegates are pictured above at the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church's annual meeting held on Sunday, January 27, 2013. Pictured from left are K. Peter Lee, Senior Warden, who was appointed by Fr. Marvin Foltz for another year; Rodrigo Casio, Junior Warden, Vestry members and Convention Delegates/Alternates: Louise Aloy, Mark Sitts, Gloria Cajigal, Carl Foltz, Alex Davis, Melanie Hue-Sing, Alfredo Evangelista, Maggie Evangelista, Mary Lou Mellinger, Basilia Idica and Fr. Marvin Foltz. Missing from the picture are Erika Eberly, Lani Scott, Roger Evangelista and Shelly Womack. (Photo contributed by Louise Aloy.)

BIG ISLAND PARISH NEWS

The following story and photos appeared in the St. James weekly E-News:

Teen Tech for Tutus (& Grandpas, Aunties, Uncles too!)

Youth from St. James Episcopal Church in Kamuela and the wider community, have been meeting after Sunday services to help older adults learn more about using their cell phones, iPads, and laptops. Youth leaders, Susan Acacio, Tim Bostock, and Rona Lee, have been organizing a cookout for all during the gatherings.

THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH & BEYOND

President of House of Deputies Jennings Calls for Action

on Immigration Reform

[January 29, 2013] Episcopal Church President of the House of Deputies, the Rev. Gay Clark Jennings, has issued a letter calling on Episcopalians to ask their elected officials to support immigration reform.

"We Episcopalians know that welcoming the stranger among us is one of our greatest responsibilities and joys," President Jennings writes. "You can stand with our immigrant sisters and brothers in the Episcopal Church and across the country by calling your members of Congress."

To read President Jennings' letter in its entirety, click HERE.

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 April issue is March 22, 2013.