Cathedral Life - April 2024 (Easter Season)

April 2024 - Easter Season

Note from Canon Heather+

Aloha Dear St. Andrew’s,

The fullness of joy in this Easter season is most celebrated and “Alleluia-ed!” when we, the Church, are living the Risen Christ’s Love out loud.

We do that in many ways – in our worship and music, in our care for one another, in our study and celebration of scripture and prayer, and, too, in how we steward the needs of our property, facilities, and finances, for the goodness of the Cathedral and our larger community, too.

Your Cathedral Chapter takes up these kinds of facilities and finance considerations each month. You have trusted them with your stewardship – and they work diligently and prayerfully, to keep the Cathedral in good stead. Here, in the April Easter Season Cathedral Life, you will find Chapter member updates on projects that are in-the-works.

I commend this to you – and I commend your Chapter members to your prayers.

As always, as you read this, be in touch if you would like more information or to volunteer to get involved and engaged –

Come and See!

With all Easter Blessing,

Cn Heather+

Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with those who take counsel for the renewal and mission of your Church; we pray especially for the Cathedral of St. Andrew, its leaders, and Chapter. Teach us in all things to seek first your honor and glory. Guide us to perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Save - the - Dates & Announcements

Sunday, April 21

The Cathedral welcomes the ʻIolani School Chaplains!

On Sunday, April 21st, we welcome the Rev. Andrew Arakawa as the celebrant at the 8am Eucharist and the Rev. Tim Morehouse as the celebrant at the 10am Eucharist, assisting Kahu Haaheo while Canon Heather+ is on the continent

at a clergy gathering.

Choral Evensong in the “Upper Room”

Sunday, April 21, 5:30pm

Join us in the “Upper Room” for this special Choral Evensong! Featuring meditative and haunting plainchant as well as plainchant-inspired choral music for thoughtful reflection, this Evensong will gather us seated together in the quire near the organ and high altar in our “Upper Room”.

In the midst of our joyous Eastertide, come to experience an intimate, meditative oasis of respite and peace.

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked...Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you."

(John 20:19)

Open Invitation to the April Cathedral Meeting

Tuesday, April 23 at 5:30pm

Aloha Cathedral 'Ohana!

Did you know? -- All are welcome to attend the Chapter meeting each month! –

If you are interested in hearing the considerations and conversations of your Cathedral leaders, join us over Zoom, Tuesday, April 23rd at 5:30pm. These gatherings are open for the congregation to attend. From the Cathedral By-Laws:

Sec. 6.7 Open Meetings/Executive Session. All Chapter meetings shall be open to any member of the Cathedral or the Diocese, unless by a two-thirds majority vote the Chapter shall decide to meet in executive session to discuss matters of personnel or unusual delicacy or sensitivity. Any action taken in an executive session shall be fully reported in the minutes of the meeting of the Chapter.

Please email office@cathedralhawaii.org to receive the Zoom link to this month’s Chapter Meeting.

We hope to see you there!

Sunday, May 5

In the morning...

Please join the Cathedral for our morning services as we celebrate the

Ali'i Sunday Commemorating Prince Albert!

In the evening...

The Cathedral will be holding a very special Choral Evensong at 5:30pm celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Ordination of Women in the Episcopal Church!

The night will be centered around honoring Dame Julien of Norwich,

a Mystic and Theologian of the 15th Century. Dame Julien was a great symbol of peace and love, and shared her message in the written book,

"Revelations of Divine Love."

Triune God, Father and Mother to us all, who showed your servant Julian revelations of your nurturing and sustaining love: Move our hearts, like hers, to seek you above all things, for in giving us yourself you give us all. Amen.

Walking the Way of Love Slipper Drive continues!

Our annual Slipper Drive for Princess Ruth Ke‘elikōlani Middle School

(formally Central Middle School) continues this

Sunday! Please look for collection bins

in the Cathedral near the Baptismal Font.

Updates from your Cathedral Chapter

Message from Senior Ward - Matt Brown

Aloha Dear Family in Christ,

It’s hard to believe we’re already into April, and it has been over two months since our annual meeting in January. With that in mind, I wanted to share with you an update on our operating status and budget matters for the year to date.

In January we shared that this would be a lean year for our budget, and that while our pledge commitments at that point had exceeded the budget we created in December, that we would still need to be very mindful of expenditures over the course of the year.

We were very fortunate to receive some significant special contributions during this same period, much of which were earmarked to particular projects. These gifts along with some receipt of special grant funds enabled us to meet significant challenges, including in the area of facilities maintenance, that have come up in this short period of time. Please see the notes in this newsletter regarding the organ restoration project and also the maintenance and preservation of the Cathedral’s very precious stained glass windows as two examples of such matters.

I think it is important here to again clarify the difference between what it means for each of us as members of this body to make a pledge in support of the basic functions of the Cathedral of St. Andrew as a whole, and separately to provide for gifts of our resources along with time and talent for special projects when the need arises.

A most basic statement of faith that we all can and should make is the provision of our fullest measure of support for the existence of this holy space and community. This includes ensuring that we have the staff and facilities available to provide the conditions by which our spiritual needs, and indeed those of the entire community, can be met. Your pledges of financial support for the day in, day out operations of St. Andrews in part achieve this goal.

Some of you may be familiar with Mazlow’s Hierarchy of Needs in which the author describes the foundations of human motivation being tied to existential factors, things like food, shelter, safety, and a place to call home. For us as a body of faith, these basic needs are met through the pledges of members, whether made during the fall pledge season, or during some other time of the year, along with contributions of time and talent. If we don’t have resources pledged to the very existence and basic operations of our body, then we risk losing sight of the basic missions to which Christ calls us as a church.

Further up in Mazlow’s Hierarchy of Needs are aesthetic, self-actualization, and transcendent matters, those things that we need to grow, and develop, and blossom into the full beauty of what Christ calls for us, both as individuals and as a body of faithful. These things are an important part of our faith experience, and full investment through special gifts of time, talent, and treasure are very real ways to reach for these higher order states. However, without the basic foundations in place, supported by your pledges, we can’t meaningfully approach the transcendent, not as a body of faith.

Please know that your very small paid staff is working mightily to support the basic functions of this Cathedral, supported by your lay leaders and members of the Diocesan staff as well. We’re looking at new ways of generating income while taking into full account the loss of other sources that we’ve appreciated over the last number of years. Personally, we’re all either at, or working toward achieving a tithing level of giving, generally 10% of one’s net income, just to keep the doors open, the lights on, and to provide for worship and gathering opportunities. As you prayerfully consider special gifts of your resources, please remember the vital importance of your pledge as well.

In this Easter season of the church calendar, I invite you to consider the experience of those walking to Emmaus, and how in community they came to recognize the risen Christ in their midst. It is so important for us to ensure that the existence of such a community is available to all who surround us, and to know that your pledge is a vital part of making such an opportunity available for our fellow travelers.

Matthew Brown

Senior Warden

Organ Restoration Project Update - April 2024

Article by Mary Fiedler, Chapter Secretary and Cathedral Choir Member

Although you can't see it, progress is happening with the organ restoration!

During January, there was lots of visible action – a scissor lift in the Cathedral, the removal of screens 30 feet up, and pipes and their leather fittings taken down and stored. Pipe organs use a large amount of flexible leather inter-pneumatic actions to provide stable wind pressure, to switch notes on handoff, and to move the shutters, which control the amount of sound admitted into the Cathedral.

Now on the mainland, at the workshops of Rosales Organ LLC, our air reservoirs, pneumatics, and old leather pieces are being carefully duplicated, restored, and retested. Our leather was over 60 years old, and no longer usable. Once completed, the parts will be shipped back to us for reinstallation. Rosales will also construct a new console for our organ, which will be more compact but more flexible and use modern computer technology. The new console will be more accessible to play, especially for smaller and less experienced players, and we anticipate that a greater number of organists will be able to take advantage of this magnificent instrument. The console is comprised of keyboards, stops, an adjustable bench, lighting, and complex computerized switching systems.

Did you know that our first Bishop Staley made a pre-requisite to install an organ in the new Cathedral before coming to Hawaii? Since then, there have been a number of organs in the Cathedral. The current Aeolian-Skinner, constructed in 1957, is no longer playable. Our choice was to build a new, smaller organ for almost $3 million dollars – or to restore the existing instrument. We chose restoration.

We have been blessed with a very generous gift from Mrs. Corinne Wong, in honor of her late husband, to construct the new console. The total cost of the project is expected to be approximately $800,000. With the Cathedral's initial deposit and Mrs. Wong's memorial gift, we anticipate that we will need another $400,000 to finish the project. We expect that the project will be completed within 18 months.

Stay tuned for more news about the organ restoration in future editions of Cathedral Life! Our organ is an integral feature of the Cathedral, no less than our treasured and iconic stained glass windows. We are blessed to worship, to see and to hear, in such a glorious space.

Saving our Precious Stained Glass Windows

Article by Elizabeth Conklin, Chapter Member

When I first came to the Cathedral in 2006, one the things that I loved most was the beautiful Cathedral windows, from the Great West Window to the many tributes to the saints of the church around the nave. As I became more involved with Chapter and Buildings & Grounds, I learned that many of them were in poor condition, some as old as this building. The lead between the colored panes deteriorates over the years! For a number of years a heroic team including super handy-man Jim Harvey and amazing stained glass artist Jim Erickson would remove one pair of windows a year (sometimes two) and take them to Jim Erickson's shop, where he would completely restore them, with identical replacements for glass bits that were broken, and new lead throughout. While the windows were out, they were replaced by full-sized, high-resolution photographs made for this purpose, and unless you knew, it was hard to tell they were replacements.

Several years ago, due first to Jim Erickson's poor health and then COVID, the repair project lapsed. I'm delighted to report it is starting again. Recently, a fully recovered Jim Erickson spent several hours studying all the windows, and prepared a report for us, listing those in most urgent need of repair. One of them, #5, was in such poor shape that some whole sections had partially lost their leading and the colored panes were just hanging. I'm delighted to report that both Jims were willing to take time out from other projects and give it the attention it needs. Chapter has approved and funded the project, which will commence in early April.

Cathedral Outreach and Service Opportunities

Article written by Cathedral Treasurer, Hui Chen

"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me. Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:35-40

Reaching out in service to those in need is the essence of our lives as Christians and our mission as a Church; it is at the heart of the Baptismal Covenant. At the Cathedral, we are committed to outreach and service as a community and have various opportunities for us all to engage throughout the year. We started off the year with the BacPac Project, where we collected backpacks and supplies for newly released prisoners to welcome them back into the community. During Lent and into Easter season, we have been collecting slippers for students at the Princess Ke‘elikōlani Middle School, where a stash of slippers for students who find themselves in need of foot coverings really appreciate them!

Looking ahead, we have more opportunities to make a difference!

You can get involved in ways beyond simply bringing items to church: part of the joy of being a community is we can work together in preparing and organizing many of these activities. If you are interested in being involved in any of these projects and efforts, please drop an email to office@cathedralhawaii.org and look for more information in the weekly Friday email!

May: Wrapped in Love Baby Blankets. This is a new initiative to collect, gift-wrap, and deliver first blankets for the babies in the neonatal units at Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children and Queens Medical Center! We want to wrap these newborn babies in our concrete expressions of love and hope. Contact persons: Canon Heather and Leilani Kupahu-Marino Kahoano.

June: Back to BacPacs. You can bring back packs and supplies, as well as help organize and deliver them. You may also want to learn more other aspects of the prison ministry (episcopalhawaii.org/prison-ministry.html). Contact Person: Kahu Haaheo Guanson.

July: School Supplies Drive. We will be helping the students at Kalihi Waena Elementary School get a jump start on the new school year. Contact Person: Ann Hansen.

November: Family Promise. This is a renewed initiative to work with Family Promise (familypromisehawaii.org) to help homeless and low-income families in Hawai’i achieve sustainable independence. From coordinating shelter to supporting these families, there are multiple roles we can play. Contact Persons: Leilani Kupahu-Marino Kahoano and Elizabeth Conklin.

December: Breakfast with Santa. Help provide food, hospitality, and joy to the children at Kalihi Waena Elementary School! Contact Persons: Ann Hansen and Elizabeth Conklin.

Ongoing: Wallyhouse Sack Lunches. We join our brothers and sisters at St. Elizabeth Episcopal Church’s Wallyhouse outreach program in Kalihi in providing meals for the homeless Kalihi-Palama. We can prepare meals individually or together as a community (fun making sandwiches or even cooking together!) and deliver them to Wallyhouse. Contact Person: Barbara Service.

Ongoing: Food Collection! Consider – The Pantry (thepantry.org). The Pantry operates year-round to provide free, nutritious food to the families of Hawaii, in a “grocery store style” experience where customers can choose what they want. We can collect food for the Pantry as well as volunteer to organize the shelves: all the more fun if we can coordinate to do it together! Could YOU be our Contact Person?! Email the Office if you are interested in coordinating our efforts!

Be in touch with any questions – and join in our efforts for our siblings, neighbors, and community! We look forward to getting you involved!

Celebrant

Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?

People

I will, with God's help.

Holy Week 2024 - A Reflection through Photos

Walking the Labyrinth

Friday, March 22

Almighty God, mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.

Labyrinth practitioner and facilitator Kristin Keyes was with us for a special evening of labyrinth

and walking on the Friday before Holy Week started. Kristin guided us through

the way of the cross and put our prayer in motion.

Palm Sunday

Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Above - The Passion Gospel play being read at our 8am service.

Below - Our 10am service started in Queen Emma Park, with St. Peter's and St. Paul's congregation joining for the Liturgy of the Palms. St. Paul's joined the Cathedral for Holy Eucharist,

with Father Randy Albano Celebrating.

Maundy Thursday

Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that we may receive it thankfully in remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord, who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

This Holy Eucharist service included Canon Heather Preaching, foot and handwashing near the Platform, the stripping of the Altar, and attendees were offered the chance to sit in silence in our "garden" created by our wonderful Altar Guild (last picture).

Good Friday

Almighty God, we pray you graciously to behold this your family, for whom our

Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed, and given into the hands of sinners,

and to suffer death upon the cross; who now lives and reigns with you and the

Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Our Good Friday service consisted of the singing of the Passion Gospel,

the Veneration of the Cross, and the praying of the Solemn Collects.

Greening of the Cathedral

The morning of March 30th began with prayer, followed by a full day of preparing the Cathedral for Easter services. At the end of the day, our wonderful hospitality team prepared a delicious lunch for our hard-working volunteers!

Easter Vigil

O God, who made this most holy night to shine with the glory of the Lord's resurrection: Stir up in your Church that Spirit of adoption which is given to us in Baptism, that we, being renewed both in body and mind, may worship you in sincerity and truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Our service began with the creation of new fire, readings done near the baptismal font, with the conclusion at the high altar. The Cathedral also welcomed the Chaplains from 'Iolani Schools -

the Rev. Tim Morehouse and the Rev. Andrew Arakawa.

Easter Sunday

Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord's resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever. Amen.