After the Education Day sessions Clergy and Candidates for Ordination headed off to get dressed for a very special Convention Eucharist. Pictured above, ordinands Paul, Malcolm, Mahi and Hau'oli all get a helping hand from the "experts"!

 

Along with clergy and church members, family and friends of the ordained were on hand to celebrate this special occasion, presenting lei and congratulations after the service. The new deacons were smothered in leis that were piled high as is the tradition for graduations in Hawai'i. 

 

Immediately following the celebratory Eucharist and historic ordinations, a lavish pupu hour was held in the neighboring student center. Food stations featured an array of delicious pupus and desserts that left no one hungry. Sushi, Spring rolls, pasta, short ribs, chicken yakitori, tartlets and macarons were just a few of the decadent items being served up.  Music was provided by the Hawaiian trio of Naluhoe.

Pictured above, members of the Hoike Ulu Legacy Society on O'ahu were also invited to attend the gathering, and wore kukui nut leis, including Jane Tonokawa, Chair, at far left with Art Kusumoto. Anyone who has remembered an Episcopal ministry (church or program) in their estate plans is considered a member. A gathering is held on each island annually. 

Along with the newly ordained, a highlight of the pupu hour was the presentation of the Bishop's Cross. Four persons received the Bishop's Cross (which is actually a Koa box engraved with the cross) for their dedicated service to the Diocese. The recipients (pictured above and below with the Bishop) are Stuart Ching, the Diocesan Archivist and Historiographer and member of St. Elizabeth's; Lynne Reynolds from St. Jude's; Cecilia Fordham from St. Clement's; and Martha Im, Chancellor Emerita and member of St. Luke's.  Click on their linked names to read their bios.

The 47th Annual Meeting of Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i took place on Saturday, October 24, 2015, in Seto Hall at 'Iolani School, Honolulu.  It was a big change in venue from Tenney Theatre at The Cathedral of St. Andrew, but the overwhelming response was positive, with many commenting that more diocesan meetings and gatherings should be held there. The campus was immaculate and inviting, parking was plentiful, the hall roomy and brightly lit with chairs that could be moved, and restrooms designed to handle a crowd. Special thanks to 'Iolani School Chaplains the Rev. David Leatherman and the Rev. Nicole Simopoulos (right) for their support and role in providing an exceptional venue.

 

We give thanks and praise to the staff and volunteers in the Bishop's Office for putting together another memorable event! Attendees experienced the result of a year-long process that began even before the end of last year's meeting. This year, the venue created logistic challenges that included transporting dozens of boxes, equipment and supplies. In the end, the extra effort paid off with attendees rating the venue and meeting with highest marks. Pictured above from left, Charmaine Bernard, Office Manager/Property Manager in the Office of the Bishop, was in charge of the overall event and a miracle worker; Administrative Assistant Katrina Luksovsky and volunteer Pam Fern take a break after setting up on Thursday afternoon; and Sharon Billingsley, the Diocese's Travel Coordinator takes a moment to pose with year-round and "all-around" office volunteer, Norma Chun, on the morning of Education Day. 

Mahalo to all of the volunteers, too numerous to list, who helped at the meeting with registration, luggage check, lunches, directing traffic and set-up and break down. Special thanks to Joanna Polevia of St. Clement's, for her assistance with the technical aspects. God bless you all!