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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 2014
In This Issue
From the Bishop: The Paschal Homily
Ask the Bishop: On Altar Guilds
Altar Guild Workshop
On the Road with Waiolaihui'ia
Committee on Native Hawaiian Ministry: Rising from the Ashes
Stewardship: Our Family's Future
Youth Ministry: AWAKE! Diocesan Youth Retreat
Jerusalem, My Happy Home
'Iolani Guild Happenings
'Iolani & Priory Students Challenge the Past and Future
Preparing for Lent Around the Diocese
O'AHU PARISH NEWS
KAUA'I PARISH NEWS
MAUI PARISH NEWS
BIG ISLAND PARISH NEWS
THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH & BEYOND
Contact Information

 Bishop's Calendar


***** APRIL *****

Sunday Visitations:
April 6
St. Elizabeth's, Honolulu
April 13
St. Paul's, Honolulu

Other:
April 1
Chapel: Priory
April 5
Chrism Mass/Education Day
April 7-11
JCPC Meeting, Philippines
April 15
Chapel: 'Iolani
April 17
Chapel: 'Iolani
April 19-20
Easter at The Cathedral
April 21
Chapel: 'Iolani
April 22
Chapel: Priory
April 24-25
Staff Retreat, Camp Mokule'ia
April 26
Regional confirmation: Kaua'i, Christ Memorial, Kilauea
April 30
Bishop's Reception for Priory Seniors, Pacific Club 


***** MAY *****

Other:
May 3
Regional Confirmation: West O'ahu, St. Philip's, Waianae
May 4
Regional Confirmation: Big Island, St. Jude's, Ocean View
May 6-8
Meeting of Bishop's Colleague Group, San Diego, CA
May 15
Chapel: Priory
May 17
Governance Meetings
May 17
Regional Confirmation: Windard O'ahu, Emmanuel, Kailua
May 19-24
Vacation
May 26
Lantern Floating
May 27
Chapel: Priory
May 31
Graduation: Seabury, Maui

  Bishop's Bible Study

Follow the Bishop's year-long Bible Study plan beginning with Advent 2013.

 Bishop's Messages

To read Bishop Fitzpatrick's latest messages to the Diocese, click on the Bishop's Messages link above.

Beasley's Blog

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

Stay Informed!

Connect directly to the Diocesan website:
 
Message from the Bishop
Bishop Fitzpatrick
THE PASCHAL HOMILY
Of Saint John Chrysostom
Patriarch of Constantinople

[This sermon, long attributed to St. John Chrysostom, Patriarch of Constantinople (died 407), and now traced by some scholars to an even older tradition coming from Hippolytus (d. 235), is read in the Orthodox Midnight Easter Liturgy. In recent years a number of Anglican/Episcopal congregations (including the Cathedral of St. Andrew, Honolulu) have also used it at the Great Vigil of Easter, often reading it after the Blessing and before the Dismissal and final hymn. It is given here in translation from the Greek text.]

IF ANYONE BE DEVOUT and a lover of God, let him enjoy this beautiful and radiant FEAST OF FEASTS.

If anyone is a wise servant, let him rejoice
and enter into the joy of his Lord.

If anyone has wearied himself in fasting,
let him now receive his recompense.

If anyone has labored from the first hour,
let him today receive his just reward.

If anyone has come at the third hour,
with thanksgiving let him keep the feast.

If anyone has arrived at the sixth hour,
let him have no misgivings;
for he shall suffer no loss.

If anyone has delayed until the ninth hour,
let him draw near without hesitation.

If anyone has arrived even at the eleventh hour,
let him not fear on account of his delay.

For the Lord is gracious,
and receives the last even as the first;
he gives rest to him that comes at the eleventh hour,
just as to him who has labored from the first.

He has mercy upon the last,
and cares for the first;
to the one he gives,
and to the other he is gracious.

He both honors the work
and praises the intention.

ENTER all of you, therefore, into the joy of our Lord,
and whether first or last receive your reward.

O rich and poor, one with another,
dance for joy!

O you ascetics and you negligent,
celebrate the Day!

You that have fasted
and you that have disregarded the fast, rejoice today!

The table is rich-laden;
feast royally, all of you!

The calf is fatted; let no one go forth hungry!

LET all partake of the Feast of Faith.

LET all receive the riches of goodness.

LET no one lament his poverty,
for the Universal Kingdom has been revealed.

LET no one mourn his transgressions,
for Pardon has dawned from the Tomb!

LET no one fear Death,
for the Saviour's death has set us free!

HE that was taken by Death
has annihilated it!

HE descended into Hell,
and took Hell captive!

HE embittered it when it tasted of His Flesh!

And anticipating this Isaiah exclaimed,
"Hell was embittered, when it encountered thee in the lower regions".

It was embittered, for it was abolished!

It was embittered, for it was mocked!

It was embittered, for it was purged!

It was embittered, for it was despoiled!

It was embittered, for it was bound in chains!

It took a body, and face to face met God!

It took earth, and encountered Heaven!

It took what it saw,
but crumbled before what it had not seen!

"O Death, where is thy sting?
O Hell, where is thy victory?"

CHRIST IS RISEN, and you are overthrown!
CHRIST IS RISEN, and the demons are fallen!
CHRIST IS RISEN, and the Angels rejoice!
CHRIST IS RISEN, and Life reigns!
CHRIST IS RISEN, and not one dead remains in the tombs!

For CHRIST being raised from the dead,
has become the first-fruits of them that slept.

To HIM be glory and dominion through all the ages of ages!

AMEN!

V. CHRIST IS RISEN!      R. HE IS RISEN INDEED!
V. CHRIST IS RISEN!      R. HE IS RISEN INDEED!
V. CHRIST IS RISEN!      R. HE IS RISEN INDEED!
 
ASK THE BISHOP
On Altar Guilds 
I had the wonderful opportunity to spend this morning (Saturday, March 1, 2014) with 80 members of altar guilds from several ʻOahu congregations. We were graciously hosted by St. Mary's Church, Honolulu, and it included a great lunch. Thank you to Fr. Greg Johnson and everyone at St. Mary's. It is great to have St. Mary's hosting diocesan events again.

Those present asked that I share some of my reading suggestions and comments. I decided this might make a good "Ask the Bishop" article.

I suggested that the altar guilds that function best have a congregational manual for local use with photos and detailed notes on customs and practices unique to the congregation. I do think it helpful to have a standard handbook to aid in preparation of a local congregational manual. These are two commonly used handbooks written for Episcopal Churches:

a. The New Altar Guild Book by Barbara Gent (Morehouse Publishing, revised edition 1996)

b. A Working Manual for Altar Guilds by Dorothy C. Diggs (Morehouse Publishing, third edition 1988)

It would be helpful for each altar guild to choose one of these handbooks and prepare a local congregational manual based on the principles in the selected handbook and in keeping with local practice.  READ MORE

DIOCESAN  NEWS
Altar Guild Workshop


On Saturday, March 1, 2014, St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Honoulu hosted an Altar Guild workshop. The informative session was led by Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick, and drew a large group of nearly 80 people from 15 congregations.  After the workshop, participants were treated to a delicious buffet of Thai, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese cuisine catered by cafes in the Mo'ili'ili area: McCully Sushi, Da Spot, The Golden Eagle, and Mama Woo's. Be sure to read the Ask the Bishop article above to learn more about altar guilds. (Photo by David Blanchett.)
 
On the Road with Waiolaihui'ia:
ACCW on Maui & Benedictine Monastery of Hawai'i


In mid-February, members of Waiolaihui'ia headed over to Maui where Keku Akana, founder and President of A cup of Cold Water (ACCW) outreach ministry, delivered a seminar about the program. Pictured at left, the group takes a moment to pose with Keku in front of the ACCW van that ministers to the homeless and needy of Maui. (L-R: The Rev. David Kennedy, Phyllis Mahi Beimes, Keku Akana, Malcolm Keleawe Hee, Paul Nahoa Lucas, John Hau'oli Tomoso, Cn. Liz Beasley.)

 
Then on Sunday, March 23, 2014, members headed to the Benedictine Monastery of Hawai'i, located in the hills above Waialua, O'ahu.  Their host, the Prior, Fr. David Barfknecht, OSB, helped them experience the very Benedictine way (ora et Labora) and spirituality they were studying that weekend. Pictured above are (L-R) Beimes, Hee, Lucas, Tomoso, Fr. Austin Murray, Fr. David Barfknecht, OSB, Mtr., the Rev. Linda Decker.  (Photos contributed by John Tomoso.)

Waiolaihui'ia is the Diocese of Hawai'i's local program for formation for the Priesthood. It is especially intended for people who have family and/or occupational commitments. The program consists of a series of residential weekends over the course of three years, for both academic and practical learning, supplemented by serving in a local ministry setting. To learn more about this program visit the diocesan website or download a description HERE.
 
Native Hawaiian Ministry
"Rising from the Ashes"
By Kalani Holokai, Chair, Committee on Native Hawaiian Ministry (CONHM)

Kia ora!

(Maori greeting, also, be well, healthy)
Members of the Committee on Native Hawaiian Ministry get ready to board their flight. Traveling were Naomi Holokai, Kala Holden,  May Holokai, Keane Akao, Piilani and Edward Hanohano, Louise Aloy, and Kalani Holokai.
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The Committee on Native Hawaiian Ministry (CONHM) traveled to Aotearoa for the 13th Gathering of the Anglican Indigenous Network (AIN), November 23-30, 2013, themed 'Rising from the Ashes'. CONHM has been a member of AIN since the early 1990s, and a leader in the effort to raise up the mutual concerns of indigenous peoples of the Anglican Communion. We were hosted by Bishop John Gray and his 'ohana at the Waiponamu Church Centre, Christchurch, New Zealand. Other members of AIN include our native brothers and sisters of Canada, Australia, Torres Strait and the Continent.

The powhiri, official welcome of the manuhiri (malihini) to the 'aina as well as their centre started in the bone-chilling rain; with a haka, announcing there were manuhiri at the entrance, a call to enter and then be welcomed with much aroha. Our Maori elders welcomed us in their native language, their families sang and danced for us, in the rain, under the eaves of their church. Although there was no translation of what was being said, the spirit, 'uhane and 'ua was surely a sign our time together was already ordained and God was with us.

 

We started each day with a morning Eucharist led by a delegation and some of the service in their native language. Our meals were very English and very Maori, with beautiful service and authentic delicacies. Tea was served twice daily, which allowed us time away from the discussions and a time to get to know others more closely.

We also went into the city to see the site of the Anglican Cathedral that was heavily damaged in the earthquake. We were told this earthquake didn't just move from side to side, but also up and down which is what they think caused the spire and tower to be totally destroyed. The famous rose window of this cathedral was later destroyed in another earthquake in December of 2011. Until an agreement could be made about restoring or rebuilding, a transitional cathedral was built mostly out of cardboard! It is an amazing feat and very beautiful. The ceiling and pillars are all cardboard tubing and each seat is made out of cardboard, as well as the pulpit, the choir lofts and even most of the organ. Truly amazing!  We enjoyed some retail therapy as well as sightseeing the coastal towns of Lyttleton and Akaroa where the adventure is getting there through the very green hillsides with lots of sheep!  

On the last day at the closing Eucharist, Edward Hanohano (from Epiphany) was commissioned along with four others to sit on the steering committee of AIN, known as the Executive Committee. We all laid our hands on him and prayed with grateful hearts for his commitment and dedication to this ministry. Bishop Gray also baptized four children, ordained two deacons (both wahine) and one priest! The priest was the grandfather of the baptized, and one of the deacons was the 82 year old great-granddaughter of one of Aotearoa's first ordained Maori bishops. READ MORE

 

Stewardship
Our Family's Future
By Deidre Harris, St. Nicholas Episcopal Church, Kapolei

I recently attended a Diocesan workshop on Planned Giving by Jim Murphy, from the Episcopal Church Foundation. He talked about the types of giving (Bequests, Life Income Gifts, Special Assets Gifts and Charitable Lead Trusts) and used lots technical terms such as "CRATs and CRUTS", but what stood out for me is what Planned Giving truly means.

 

You see, old or young, none of us likes to think of the fact that some day we will no longer be here on earth. Therefore, we try to make sure that we leave no burdens behind and that those we love are taken care of; with the key words being, those we love. So, stop and think about this for a moment: How many of us attend the weddings, the funerals, the baptisms, the birthdays and countless other significant moments of the members within our congregation? And how many of us refer to or think of the people within our congregation as our "church family"? Now, here comes the big question. How many of us have thought to make sure that our church family, like our regular family, gets taken care of after we're gone?

 

Planned Giving is not about leaving money to the church when we die. Rather, it's about raising the church to the status of family and ensuring that our church family, like our regular family, is able to continue beyond our death. It's about acknowledging all the good that our church is currently doing and ensuring that it has the capability to continue that good work into the future. It's about ensuring that the rituals that bind us together now will continue to keep future generations bound together. In a nutshell... no matter how rich or how poor you are, it's about leaving a legacy. And not just any legacy, mind you, but one that focuses on God's love and His word. Now, how cool is that!

 

Regardless of whether you're young or old, if you have not yet made a legal will, or if it is time to make amendments to your will, please think about leaving a legacy for the future by considering your church now. We know this will bring up lots of considerations such as: what to give or how much to give; how to balance your giving between your regular family and your church family; how to structure your giving so that your intent is clear; and lots more. If you're not sure where to begin, you can start by having a conversation with your clergy, or scheduling a consultation with our Diocesan Treasurer, Mr. Peter Pereira at (808) 538-7194. You can also visit the Episcopal Church Foundation's website for basic information. We would also like to invite you to join  The Hōʻike Ulu Society , a legacy society currently consisting of over 100 people who have included an Episcopal church or institution in Hawai'i in their wills or estate plans. We can't wait to welcome you to the family!

 

Youth Ministry 
AWAKE! Diocesan Youth Retreat 
By Michelangelo McPeek, Youth Member of St. James', Kamuela
 
Editor's note: On March 20-22, 2014, twenty-one high school youth and four adult chaperones from around the Diocese gathered together at the MacCray House in Honolulu for the AWAKE! Youth Retreat. The retreat included 2-1/2 days of praise and worship at the annual Hawaiian Island Ministries (HIM) Conference held at the Hawaii Convention Center. The following article was written by Michelangelo McPeek, one of the youth participants from St. James on the Big Island. More photos from the event can viewed on the diocesan website HERE.
Youth from All Saints' - Kaua'i, Good Shepherd - Maui, St. James - Kamuela, St. Elizabeth's and St. Peter's - O'ahu,  stop for a group photo during a lunch break at the HIM Conference.
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Michelangelo with one of the speakers at the HIM Conference, Brandon Ahu
Attending the Awake Retreat/HIM Conference was life changing. In the Awake Retreat, I got to meet new people my age from different islands of the same denomination. Within the three days we spent together, it felt like we had known each other for years. We even have each other's numbers, Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook! I never knew how many social media apps I had until I came to this retreat. All jokes aside the retreat was a great experience and I will recommend going if you have the chance. 

The HIM Conference was AMAZING because we got to meet so many other people our age from different islands and of different denominations. The conference put all of us together to praise God. Isn't that amazing?---All different denominations putting aside their beliefs to worship that one great God we all know and love. It was so amazing to experience that. We were able to praise God in so many ways and lift our hands in praise. We got to express our love for him any way that came natural to us.

My favorite speaker was Nick Vujicic.  He was born with no limbs and was able to overcome the tough obstacles he had to endure. He touched so many hearts with his story, but that wasn't what inspired me. What inspired me was how God spoke through him to speak to many other kids. Nick was telling us different ways people sin now days and all you have to do is repent. 

He asked us, "Are you done doing it your way, and, ready to do it Gods way?"  He then proceeded to tell us, "If God is telling you to repent on whatever you sinned on, come to the front of the stage and kneel so I can pray over you." 

My heart started beating fast and my body got warm. By the time I knew it, I was at the front of the stage kneeling to God asking him to forgive me for all the sins I have committed. He asked the Holy Spirit to come into our lives. At that very moment the Holy Spirit filled my heart and I cried tears of joy. Who knew crying could feel so good? I left that day feeling my heart lighter and felt peaceful as if a rose was wilted and within minutes you see it rise--- the most beautiful rose you have ever seen, beautiful red and full of petals.

I always believed God was real and I knew I loved Him for what he did for us. But I did not have that personal connection with Him that so many leaders I knew had. Now, I can say I know God on a personal level. I am ready for Him to work through me, so I can do his work on this earth. 

I now leave you with this scripture, Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to HIS purpose."
 
Our Traveling Clergy
Jerusalem, My Happy Home
By The Rev. Moki Hino, Holy Apostles, Hilo

 
Years ago when I entered the Episcopal Church at age 30, I remember attending a Sunday service and hearing the hymn, Jerusalem, My Happy Home during the Offertory. In many ways that planted a seed of yearning to visit the Holy Land and to walk the roads and paths where Jesus himself walked during his lifetime. At the beginning of February 2014 that yearning came to fruition.  Two parishioners from Holy Apostles and I went to St. George's College in Jerusalem, and took a pilgrimage course called Palestine of Jesus.

 

Andrew Arakawa, Dixie Kaetsu, and I spent two weeks in Jerusalem, the Sea of Galilee, and the West Bank, studying the life of Jesus in the places where biblical and historical events took place including the Nativity in Bethlehem (Luke 2:1-7), Jesus' baptism in the River Jordan (Matthew 3:1-17), Jesus' teaching and healing in Capernaum (Mark 2:1-12 & Mark 1:21), Jesus' Passion in the city of Jerusalem, and Jesus' revealing himself to his disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24).  But rather than give you a blow-by-blow of the two weeks, I think I'd rather share highlights of the experience with you.

 

I am not one to shed tears easily, but I must tell you that when I knelt and touched my lips to the place where Jesus was born in Bethlehem, I got choked up. The site is in a grotto beneath the altar of an Armenian church and you have to climb down a very steep set of stairs to get to it. Descending the staircase reminded me very much of going into the waters of baptism and when I came up the set of stairs on the other side and back into the nave itself I felt like I was reemerging to new life from those waters. Words could not express my gratitude for the Nativity the way tears could.

I also got very emotional at the Sea of Galilee, especially at Mensa Christi where the risen Lord appeared to his disciples and broke bread and ate fish with them at a charcoal fire on the shore (John 21:1-24).   The image of the charcoal fire brought to mind the flame that we see at the Easter Vigil---that wonderful image of Jesus' resurrection that made itself manifest on the shores of Lake Galilee when he appeared to his disciples in this story.

 

Another spiritually powerful place was the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, which is said to be the place of the crucifixion, anointing, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.  One has to fight considerable crowds to navigate the different areas in the church, and I was surprised to see that the crucifixion site, the anointing site, the tomb, and the place where Jesus is said to have revealed himself to Mary Magdalene are all about 50 feet apart from one another. The sites are in such close proximity that Constantinian Christians were able to build an actual church around and above it. READ MORE 

 

Pictured at top is the Rev. Moki Hino with Dixie Kaetsu and Andrew Arakawa; above center picture, the Rev. Honey Becker met up with the trio at the River Jordan where they all renewed their baptismal vows. Pictures contributed by Moki Hino.

 

'Iolani Guild: Installation & Inspiration
By Leimalama Lee Loy, President
 
On March 6, 2014, at its general membership luncheon meeting, two memorable events were celebrated:

The first event of the day was the formal installation of the newly appointed Chaplain for 'Iolani Guild, Kahu Kaleo Patterson, to replace Kahu Darrow Aiona, who passed away in December 2012. Kahu Darrow was a longtime Chaplain of 'Iolani Guild. As an Episcopal priest, his last assignment was at St. Mark's Church, although his ministry spanned a period of more than 49 years. He was an individual of many talents, a visionary, who held various positions in the community: as a member of the Board of Education; as a professor of Hawaiiana and Sociology, a Rhodes Scholar. He was also honored by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs for his Excellence In Hawaiian Education in 2002, especially in the Punana Leo and the Public School Kupuna Programs.

Kahu Kaleo comes to 'Iolani Guild, with a wealth of knowledge in the Hawaiian language, culture, and history. As Bishop Fitzpatrick is the "protector" of the Guild, Chaplain Kaleo is actually the Bishop's appointee in ecclesiastical protocol. He was appointed as a Deacon to the Guild in November 2013, and his ministry to 'Iolani Guild will continue after his Episcopal ordination as a priest.

In a brief ceremony to recognize the Lama* (torch) being "passed" from one Kahu to the next, Teena Aiona "gifted" Kahu Kaleo with her husband's "treasures" including a feather lei in an enclosed glass case from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and a Bible which was "presented to the Rev. Darrow L.K. Aiona at his ordination to the Priesthood, December 21, 1963, in St. Mark's Church, Honolulu, Hawaii, by Harry S. Kennedy, Bishop of Honolulu." This was indeed an emotional moment for all members in attendance!

*The Aiona Cross (pictured in the second and fourth photos above) was crafted by Kahu Kaleo Patterson in honor of Father Aiona. Lama wood is sacred wood in Hawai'i and was also used as a secondary ingredient in many La'au Lapa'au medicinal healing mixtures. The custom silver bale is symbolic of the silver used in a Eucharistic Chalice. The dark color of the cross symbolizes the blood of Jesus, and the light color the body. The Aiona Cross is worn by the Chaplain at all 'Iolani Guild functions, including Ali'i Sunday. 

The second event of the day was a guest presentation on the practice of the Hawaiian Healing Process called ho'o'pono'pono, from two practitioners who have had years of experience using the techniqueand teaching the basic elements to students and clients. Both Kahu Kaleo and guest speaker Kupuna Kala Holden from St. Nicholas, were instrumental in providing basic information on what it means to be a partner in the "forgiveness" process. Kupuna Kala used her practical experience at Hina Mauka Center to provide a case scenario of what actually happens during a "real" situation. Kahu Kaleo's part of the presentation noted the following specfic points for our interest: a) Hawai'i Roots and Origins; b) South Pacific Practices; and, c) the limu, pikai, olena, awa. This part of the program is best portrayed in the following pictures shown for your interest and increased knowledge of the forgiveness process known as ho'o'pono'pono!" 
Pictured above are Kupuna Kala Holden and the Limu Kala Cross. The dried Limu Kala was used in a closing activity to the Ho'opono'pono workshop. Limu Kala was eaten, worn, or used in pikai sprinkling in rituals symbolizing cleansing, releasing, and forgiveness. In the closing activity everyone in attendance was asked to sprinkle dried Limu Kala onto glue that formed the shape of a cross. The complete Limu Kala cross became the special 'Iolani Guild cross for the 2014 season of Lent. The Limu Kala cross has been framed and is the property of the 'Iolani Guild. - Kahu Kaleo Patterson
 
Our Schools
'Iolani & Priory Students Challenge the Past and Future
The following articles and photos are from the schools' websites and/or Facebook pages:

'Iolani Students Reenact Historical Trial
Two classes of costumed History of Hawai'i students from 'Iolani, went on a field trip to 'Iolani Palace on Thursday, March 6, and participated in a Lorrin Thurston Trial Simulation.  The trial was spectacularly conducted in the Throne Room, where Queen Lili'uokalani was tried on treason-related charges in 1895. Thurston was a prominent figure in the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawai'i. KITV was on hand to cover the event, and you can view their report along with the video taping HERE.  
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Priory Students attend Model United Nations Conference

Twelve high school students from St. Andrew's Priory, had the opportunity to attend the Chicago International Model United Nations (CIMUN) Conference held from January 23 to 26, 2014, at the Fairmont Hotel in the heart of downtown Chicago. The primary goal of the CIMUN conference is to accurately portray diplomats from various nations while they negotiate and address world issues.

 

Priory students represented delegates from Sri Lanka or Samoa as they worked in five different committees to solve demanding international problems. These ranged from discussing "National Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity" in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to "The Illicit Trade of Small Arms and Light Weapons" in the Disarmament and International Security Committee.   This unique experience required students to think critically in order to represent their national interests, all while working diplomatically. 

 

Preparing for Lent Around the Diocese

The Season of Lent started a little later this year, so folks around the Diocese were well prepared for the feasting that takes place on Shrove Tuesday (Fat Tuesday) before entering into the more somber Lenten season. Below is a collage of photos showing some of our churches in action... look for more under Parish News. (Photos from church websites and Facebook pages.)

 
O'AHU PARISH NEWS

Holy Nativity Thrift Shop Raises over $15,000 for Local Charities
Pictured above are (from left) Thrift Store Manager Nolan Hong, the Rev. Debra Vanover, and representatives of the Hawaii Food Bank, receiving their check for $5,000. (Photo contributed by Holy Nativity Church) 
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Holy Nativity Episcopal Church's annual Fall Festival was held on Saturday, November 9, 2013, and raised over $15,000 for three local charities. Each year the Thrift Shop at Holy Nativity in Aina Haina puts on a fundraiser that features the best of their donated items and all of their Christmas items. There is also a bake sale and a silent auction. The three lucky organizations, Institute for Human Services, Hawaii Food Bank and Parents and Children Together (PACT), each received $5,000. 

Thrift Store Manager, Nolan Hong, says that the purpose of the Thrift Shop is to provide outreach and donations to the community, local charities, Holy Nativity Church and School, The Diocese of Hawai'i, and other mission outreach programs of the parish.  

Pictured above left are Thrift Store Manager Nolan Hong and the Rev. Debra Vanover of Holy Nativity, presenting a $5,000 check to representatives of the Hawaii Food Bank.  (Photo contributed by Holy Nativity Church.)
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The following caption and photos are from the St. John's By-the-Sea Facebook page:

Bishop's Visitation & Confirmation at St. John's By-the-Sea

On Sunday, February 16th, 2014, St. John's By-the-Sea had the honor and blessing to have Bishop Fitzpatrick visit our Church. He led us in service, confirmed Luana Fenstermacher, and provided us with a beautiful sermon to reflect on. We also had the honor to share our service with the La Canada Choir from La Canada, CA. The relationships and memories made this Sunday will remain with us always! (Photos by Vicki Fay and Melody Loyola.)
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St. Elizabeth's Movers & Shakers!
St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church in Honolulu is known for its diverse membership, and along with it comes a diverse mix of programs and activities that keeps their members busy and the community hopping! During the months of February and March, St. Elizabeth's hosted a multitude of events that included the annual Chinese New Year celebration in Palama (pictured at top). The Year of the Horse was ushered in with great fanfare and a feast to match.

El Sistema, a world-wide inner city music program that formed a group at St. Elizabeth's, put on their first mini-concert for benefactors. The youth played recorders and violins (the diversity continues!) and sang with voices of angels. The concert was featured in a February 22, 2014 article in the Star Advertiser

With music proving to be a popular avenue for capturing the interest of many, the Aloha Music Academy, led by Katy Rexford and Rion Schmidt (pictured above left), returned to St. Elizabeth's with their Aloha Bluegrass Academy. The week-long program provides children and adults the opportunity to learn new instruments like the banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, bass and ukulele. Students also experiment with writing songs, singing, dancing, and learning about tradition American, Hawaiian and folk music. 

Church members (pictured above L-R: Viliami Lino, Delphine Shea, Jamie Chock, Fane Lino, Faith chock, Fran Kramer and Gretchen Jong) are also actively involved with the organization Faith Action of Community Equity (FACE). The group is pictured at the FACE demonstration at the State Capitol, urging lawmakers to consider raising the minimum wage. FACE is a grassroots, faith-based, non-profit, that engages "in actions that challenge the systems that perpetuate poverty and injustice."  

And finally, with the arrival of Lent, members enjoyed a Shrove Tuesday feast of pancakes, French toast, bacon, sausages, hot dogs, fried rice, and chicken, along with a dessert table that overflowed with fruits and chocolates. 

(Aloha Bluegrass Academy photos by Sarah Klitzke; all other photos are from the St. Elizabeth's March Newsletter, Vine & Branches.)
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West O'ahu Regional Churches Celebrate Shrove Tuesday

Members from some of the West O'ahu Regional Churches (St. George's. St. Nicholas, St. Philip's, St. Stephen's and St. Timothy's) gathered together to celebrate Shrove Tuesday at Christ's Gathering Place in Aiea. (Photos by Sarah Klitzke.) 

KAUA'I PARISH NEWS

8th Annual All Angels Jazz Festival Attracts Record Numbers
By The Rev. William Miller, Rector, St. Michael and All Angels, Lihue
St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, shattered attendance records by welcoming 1,200 people from all over the world (including Japan) to the Eighth Annual All Angels Jazz Festival, held February 7-9, 2014.  Friday's concert was completely sold out for the Dean Taba Quartet with Nick Manson, Andy Suzuki, and Abe Lagrimas, with Matt Lemmler's New Orleans Jazz Revival Band headlining.  Saturday's concert was a near sell-out with Kauai's own Swingshift and Matt Lemmler's New Orleans Jazz Revival Band (NOJRB). The NOJRB features Jason Marsalis from the legendary Marsalis First Family of Jazz, with Kim Prevost, Bill Solley and Rex Gregory.  
 
 
Over 600 people attended the standing room only Jazz Masses on Sunday, February 9, that featured an all-star jazz band and 20-voice choir directed by Randy Leonard.  The Jazz Masses paid tribute to the  Rebirth, Resurrection and Revival of the city of New Orleans.  
 
The St. Michael's All Angels Jazz Festival has become one of the largest and most critically acclaimed music festivals in Hawai'i. It is always held the first FULL weekend in February. The 2015 festival will be held on February 6-8, 2015, and will feature Jake Shimabukuro and blues legend Eric Bibb from Finland. Tickets will go on sale in December and it promises to be another sell-out year. The Masses will focus on "The Spirit of the Blues."  For more information go to the St. Michael's website HERE.
 
Pictured at top: Fr. Bill Miller with Jason Marsalis and Kim Prevost during the "History of Jazz", Rex Gregory and Jason Marsalis in concert; Matt Lemmler , leader of The New Orleans Jazz Revival band; Picture above: Soloists Alan Van Zee, Dolly Kanekuni, Karen Dickinson and Kim Prevost are backed up by the All Angels Choir at the Sunday Jazz Mass, "resurrection, Revival and Rebirth: A Tribute to New Orleans".  (Photos contributed by Lindsay Kamm.)

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 Eucharistic Minister/Eucharistic Visitor Training

 

Nearly 30 people from churches on Kaua'i converged on All Saints' Episcopal Church in Kapa'a, for a Eucharistic Minister & Visitor Training on Saturday, March 29, 2014. The Rev. Ryan Newman led the training to members from St. Michael and All Angels, The Episcopal Church of West Kaua'i, and All Saints'. There were a number of newbies along with very experienced Eucharistic Ministers, one with 30+ years under his belt. Rev. Ryan is hoping to conduct more regular training sessions to accommodate the congregations on Kaua'i.

 

MAUI PARISH NEWS

Safeguarding God's Children Training

Thirty-eight members from the four Episcopal Churches on Maui (Good Shepherd, Holy Innocents, Trinity By-the-Sea, and St. John's) attended a Safeguarding God's Children Training on Saturday, March 1, 2014, at St. John's Episcopal Church in Kula. The training, which was led by John Tomoso, is required for all volunteers and staff that take part in children's ministries, but is open to all who are interested in learning more about protecting our children.

"
In my experience, this course not only lays the foundation for a 'culture of safety and nurture' in our faith communities, but also calls attention to the fact that safety, nurture and faith is an intergenerational concern, " said trainer John Tomoso, "It is a kuleana we all share.
 
The next training will be held on Saturday, August 23, at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Wailuku. (Photo by Alfredo Evangelista)
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The following caption and photos are from the Good Shepherd Facebook Page.

Faith Renewal at Good Shepherd: 2014 Shepherd's Awake!

On March 8, Good Shepherd Episcopal Church held a faith renewal weekend entitled 2014 Shepherds Awake!. The weekend focused on the Lord's Prayer. Speakers included Lucille Davis ("Praise"), Gilbert Keith-Agaran ("The Kingdom of God"), Louise Aloy ("Forgiveness"), Flora Ramos-Wildman ("God's Grace"), and Eugenia Sitts ("The Future Is Now"). Ferdinand Cajigal led the music while Keku Akana facilitated the event. The participants divided themselves into five groups named "Pancakes", "Mixed Plate", "Bus to Heaven", "Holy Light", and "Five Disciples".

 

BIG ISLAND OF HAWAI'I PARISH NEWS
The following articles and photos are from the St. James' & St. Columba's Parish Congregation's weekly newsletters:

Mahalo & A Hui Hou to the Buechele's

On Saturday, February 22, 2014, over a hundred friends turned out for a Saturday Beach Mass and party for the Rev. Tom Buechele and his wife Jean, to say Aloha and a hui hou! David Gomes provided an evening of music joined by the St. James' own band of ukulele players and hula by Auntie Doris. 
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Children's Sacred Space at St. Columba's

St. Columba's Episcopal Church in Paauilo is growing and to accommodate the increasing number of children, the old office has been cleared out and transformed into a sacred space for their younger members. Pictured above are some of St. Columba's joyful youth, Meela, Caylee and Vinny. 
 
THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH & BEYOND

New Community Gathers 'Together, 
Advancing the Sacred Dream'
Participants honored the Rev. Terry Star, who died suddenly on march 4. Photo by Lynn A. Collins
[Episcopal News Service] About 200 clergy and laity from across the Episcopal Church gathered to "set the vision quest" during the March 12-15 New Community Clergy and Lay Conference at the Kanuga Conference Center in Hendersonville, North Carolina.

 

Themed "Together, Advancing the Sacred Dream," the second such gathering of ethnic ministries throughout the church was intended to move participants deeper into collaborative mission, partnership and relationship, according to Sarah Eagle Heart, Episcopal Church missioner for indigenous ministries.

 

"It was really important to us that we continue what we started during the first New Community gathering [in 2012 in San Diego]," Eagle Heart said while welcoming participants. "The Ogala Lakota talk about dreams in terms of vision quest ... and we wanted to take all the dreams of our ancestors and of every ethnic group here and bring them together in one place."


Eagle Heart and others invoked the spirit of the Rev. Terry Star, 40, who was to participate in the gathering, but died suddenly March 4 at Nashotah House Theological Seminary where he was a seminarian. He was described as a spirit of compassion, love and inclusion.

 

Citing the Lakota concept of mitakuye oyasin, or "we are all related," during the opening Eucharist sermon, Isaiah Brokenleg called upon participants to "be good relatives to one another" and to relate to one another out of a mutual willingness to be vulnerable, honest and transparent.  READ MORE

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'Homeless Jesus' Finds a Home in North Carolina

 

[Episcopal News Service] Downtown Davidson, North Carolina, has all of the idyllic, small-town Southern charm a weekend visitor could want: old-fashioned brick sidewalks, quaint shops and lots of leafy trees. Residents of the town, known primarily for its prestigious liberal arts college, are proud of their postcard-ready community, but the recent installation of a sculpture outside of St. Alban's Episcopal Church has reminded locals that not all members of the affluent community can afford to live in the town's beautiful homes - or in permanent housing of any type. READ MORE

 

 

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 2014 issue is May 23, 2014.