March 9, 2024

My dear Siblings in Christ Jesus,

I returned from the House of Bishops meeting in Texas on Tuesday evening (March 5). Because of a tight agenda focusing on preparations for General Convention and the election of the next Presiding Bishop, we did not address formally some important issues like the war in Gaza.

When I was ordained a Bishop, I promised to “be merciful to all, show compassion to the poor and strangers, and defend those who have no helper” (see Book of Common Prayer, page 518). Because we did not make a collective statement at the House of Bishops gathering about the war in Gaza, I decided to write the President and the four members of our Congressional delegation (Senator Hirono, Senator Schatz, Representative Case and Representative Tokuda). My message to the members of Congress was much like the one that I sent the President. I used a recent statement of the Bishops of the Church of England as my model.

On Thursday, I sent the following message to the White House (via the White House Contact Form):

CLICK TO READ FULL MESSAGE AND LETTER

Be sure to stay informed with the Bishop's latest messages by clicking on the button shown. All video messages also appear on the Dioceseʻs YouTube Channel and Facebook page.

Clergy in our Diocese are not only busy tending to their flock here in the islands, but particpate in global events for The Episcopal Church. Pictured above, the Rev. Annalise Pasalo from our Windward Churches, is currently attending the United Nations 68th Annual Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW), where the Presiding Bishop sends a delegation each year. It is the UN’s largest annual gathering on gender equality and women’s empowerment. Pasalo is shown preaching at the opening Eucharist and worship service with ecumenical women in the United Nations Church Center. This is her sixth session, and fifth time assisting staff on the leadership team. Be on the lookout for a follow-up article upon her return. In the meantime, you can follow along on Facebook HERE.

Pictured below, Kahu Kawika Jackson preaches at the National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES) DEIJ Conference in Baltimore, MD, on Friday, March 8, 2024. Jackson currently serves as the Rector and Director of the Preschool at All Saints' Episcopal Church on Kaua'i. Jackson shared that "the purpose of the conference is to promote the Episcopal identity values of welcome, inclusion, and belonging in all the nation's Episcopal schools and preschools." (Contributed photo)

This Saturday, March 16! FREE!

ECW: A Lenten Consolation Gathering

The Episcopal Church Women (ECW) will be holding a Lenten Consolation Gathering this Saturday, March 16, 2024, at the Cathedral of St. Andrew's Von Holt Room. This event will begin at 9:00 AM, with the Rev. Moki Hino leading the group in morning devotions and prayers, followed by Stations of the Cross. Following lunch, the Rev. Canon Heather Patton-Graham has graciously arranged the showing of the documentary The Philadelphia Eleven that was first shown publicly in the Diocese at The Cathedral last month. The highly acclaimed film is about the journey and challenges of the Episcopal Church's first women to be ordained into the priesthood. This event is free and includes a light breakfast, refreshments, and lunch. For more information and to RSVP, contact Louise Aloy at (808) 264-9830 or Laurie Lee at (808) 779-7968.

This Saturday, March 16!

Online Seminar for Altar Guilds

Province VIII will be hosting a seminar for Altar Guilds this Saturday, March 16, from 10:00 AM - Noon PT (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM HST). There will be two presentations:

• Marcia Himes, President of the National Altar Guild Association (NAGA) will be speaking on NAGA's triennial events at the General Convention
• Walk the Via Dolorosa - The Way of Tears with the Rev. Dr. Caroline Hall

All interested persons can contact Sarah Chesebro HERE for the Zoom link.

The Episcopal Asiamerica Ministry (EAM) Young Adult Convocation is holding a retreat for Episcopal young adults in their 20s from across the United States. ​This retreat will be held at Camp Sloggett on the island of Kaua‘i, October 25-27, 2024. The Rev. Keleawe Hee from Good Samaritan Church in Honolulu, will be the keynote speaker on the theme of "Let Aloha Lead Your Way." Join him for a fun and interactive session where participants will lean about The Episcopal Church, what a vestry does, what convention is, and much more, while addressing any questions you may have.

The registration fee is only $50 and this fee will help to cover lodging, ground transportation and meals. This retreat is limited to 24 young adults, so it is recommended to register early to secure a spot. Participants are welcome to make their own arrangements to extend their stay either before or after the retreat and enjoy other parts of the island of Kaua‘i. 

For more information and to register, visit the Diocesan website HERE, or scan the QR code shown. If you have any questions, contact Carolyn Morinishi by email HERE.

For those who cannot make the Diocese's ChurchBiz event on Saturday, March 23, and were interested in the labyrinth workshop with Kristin Keyes, there will be an earlier opportunity to do so at the Cathedral of St. Andrew. On Friday, March 22, a labyrinth will be set up inside the Cathedral where Kristin will guide folks through the way of the cross, and put their prayer in motion. Bring your socks, and join the walk that begins at 5:30 PM. For more information, contact the Cathedral office HERE.

O'AHU: This Sunday! Celebration of New Ministry at St. Luke's

On Sunday, March 17, 2024, at 10:00 AM, there will be a Celebration of New Ministry at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, as they officially welcome their new Vicar, the Rev. James Loughren. All are invited to attend. Refreshments to follow. St. Luke's is located at 45 N. Judd Street in Honolulu. For more information, call the church office at (808) 658-9997.

St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Honolulu bid a fond aloha to the Rev. Diane Martinson, their priest of over ten years, during a luncheon on Sunday, March 3, 2024. The parish hall was packed with well-wishers, some who have known Diane throughout the 23 years she has served in the Diocese. They shared stories, gifts, laughter and tears, over decades of memories. All who attended received a "sheep-token" (pictured below); balls to be used in the dryer! Pastor Diane heads to Wisonsin where she will be closer to family. Mahalo & Aloha 'Oe Diane! 'Til we meet again! (Photos: The Rev. Canon Frank Chun)

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Honolulu, celebrated the return of their annual Valentine's Dinner Dance which was held on February 17, 2024, in the Cathedral of St. Andrew's Davies Hall. This was the first in-person Valentine Celebration since February 2020, before COVD shut things down. In the interim, a drive-thru dinner fundraiser was held. The highlight of the evening was the search for the "Lady in Red." There were at least ten candidates and the honor of being the Lady in Red went to Albina Gamponia. She was crowned and presented with a bouquet, trophy, and scepter. The Rev. Canon Randy Albano also inducted the 2024 Bishop's Committee which will be led by Bishop's Warden Julie Dureg, and Jr. Warden Solah Palaroan. A surprise performance was presented by a few of our church members. They only began learning to play the guitar and ukulele a few weeks prior under the tutelage of the Musical Director, Lenny Cayetano Adapon. (Photos: Revelyn Dalere, Julie Dureg, Phyllis Miller)

O'AHU: St. John the Baptist - A Call for Donations

St. John the Baptist in Māʻili is reopening their thrift store! After a few years without this ministry, we are following the Spirit back into this way of serving our community. We are looking for donations to fill our space! We will take any clothing, household goods, books, and other thrift store items - but we are also in need of racks, hangers, tables, and baskets - the infrastructure that makes a thrift shop work. If you have donations please get in touch with Rev. Jazzy Bostock by email HERE or call (808) 384-3091.

On Sunday, March 3, 2024, the folks at St. John's (Episcopal Church on West Kaua'i - ECWK) in 'Ele'ele celebrated the birthday of the Diocese's newest centenarian, Jane Nakashima. At 100, Jane is older than St. John's Church, and her late husband, Yoshito, is believed to have been one of its charter members. Pictured above, Jane blows out the candles on her birthday cake, and at right, with members of St. John's that includes Joyce Sato (second from right in orange), the host of her party. Happy Birthday Blessings Jane! (Photos from the ECWK Facebook page)

St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View has long been known for its community outreach work, functioning with a reliance on visiting clergy and dedicated members for many years. Pictured above are photos from their hugely popular annual Mardis Gras community dinner, where they served up tons of yummy Jambalaya, cornbread, and King cakes! Below, they also shared Valentine's Day goodies with their Saturday shower and lunch patrons. St. Jude's has partnered up with others in the community to provide free haircuts and other services during their Saturday outreach. (Photos: St. Jude's online newsletter)

Ahli Hospital in Gaza Needs Your Help

In an exemplary show of determination and commitment, Ahli Arab Hospital captures attention for its resilience while the majority of Gaza’s medical facilities are non-operational for the foreseeable future. Ahli, a singular beacon of hope in northern and central Gaza, continues to serve many more patients than the staff and facilities are equipped to accommodate. READ MORE

APPLY FOR STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 2024-25 SCHOOL YEAR - It's that time of year when applications for two Diocesan student scholarship opportunities are made available for the 2024-2025 school year. They are:

• The Bishop's Scholarship Fund
• The Chang Clergy Children's Scholarship Fund

Deadline for submission is Friday, April 4, 2024, at 4:00 PM. For more information and to download the application packet, visit the Diocesan website HERE. Should you have any questions, please contact Nani Carroll, Executive Assistant to the Bishop, by email HERE or call her at (808) 536-7776, x 302.

2024 LENT RESOURCES - Visit: The Episcopal Church website for resources to help guide you through this season of solemnity. Click on hyperlinked titles to go to that resourc.