| The E-Newspaper of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i Reporting on the events & activities in our Diocese and beyond...
April /June 2018
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Bishop's Calendar
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**** JUNE ***
June 1
Chapel: St.Andrew's Schools (Graduation Rehearsal)
June 2
Graduation: 'Iolani School
June 3
Graduation: St. Andrew's Schools
June 10
Visitation: St. Peter's, Honolulu
June 16
Governance Meetings
June 17
Visitation: Holy Innocents, Lahaina, Maui
June 23
Non-Sunday Visit: St. John's, Kula, Maui
June 24
Visitation: Trinity By-the-Sea, Kihei, Maui
June 26-(July 2)
Vacation
*** JULY
****
July 3-15
GENERAL CONVENTION
Austin,Texas
July 16-20
Vacation
July 21
Governance Meetings
July 22
Visitation: Epiphany, Honolulu
July 29
Visitation: St. Matthew's, Waimanalo
*** AUGUST ***
TBD (Date to be determined)
Non-Sunday Visit: Good Samaritan, Honolulu
TBD (Date to be determined)
Non-Sunday Visit: St. Jude's, Ocean View, Big Island
TBD
(Date to be determined) Non-Sunday Visit: Christ Church, Kealakekua, Big Island
TBD
(To be determined)
Non-Sunday Visit: St. James, Kamuela, Big Island
August 5
Visitation: St. Andrew's, Honolulu
August 12
Visitation: St. Christopher's, Kailua
August 18
Governance Meetings
August 19
Visitation: St. Augustine's, Kapa'au, Big Island
August 19-26
Week on Big Island
August 26
Visitation: Holy Apostles, Hilo, Big Island
August 27-29
Clergy Retreat, Maui
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Stay Informed!
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Connect directly to the
Diocesan Website:
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The Bishop's Reflection for June 2018
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The Identity of the Episcopal Church in Hawai'i
Aloha o ke Akua,
As the three Strategic Initiative Design Teams (Spiritual Growth, ʻOhana and Communication)
began their work, we discussed the core identity of the Diocese of Hawai
ʻi
. I suggested that my understanding of our Church is that we are "Hawaiian, Progressive and Catholic." I think this provides the necessary foundation for our future. We are unique in the Episcopal Church - perhaps the Anglican Communion. We did not arrive as "missionaries" imposed upon the indigenous people, but as a Church invited by the King and Queen to share a faith and particular way of being Christian. Language and context are essential to our identity.
Hawaiian
Our very founding is defined by the invitation from King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma. It is extremely rare that a Church showed up by invitation anywhere - not as colonizers, but as welcomed guests. We arrived causing trouble for the American "Calvinist" missionaries: The following quote from Mark Twain can be found in Robert Louis Semes article, "Hawai'i's Holy War: English Bishop Staley, American Congregationalists, and the Hawaiian Monarchs, 1860-1870" (see HERE)
:
".... one of the first things Bishop Staley [the first Bishop] did when he arrived here a few years ago was to write home that the missionaries had deprived the natives of their innocent sports and pastimes (such as the lascivious hula hula, and the promiscuous bathing in the surf of nude natives of opposite sexes), and one of the next things he did was to attend a hula hula at Waikiki with his holy head tricked out in the flower and ever-green trumpery worn by the hula girls. When the late King died the bishop revived the half-forgotten howling and hula dancing and other barbarisms in the palace yard, and officiated there as a sort of master of ceremonies. For many a year before he came that wretchedest of all wretched musical abortions, the tom-tom, had not been heard near the heart of Honolulu; but he reinstated it and brought it into its ancient esteem and popularity."
Further, I have repeatedly heard stories of the relationship of the Bishops and the Sisters (the Anglican/Episcopal nuns that founded the Priory) to Queen Emma and Queen Liliʻuokalani. At the funeral of a woman who lived to be just shy of 100, I heard of how the Sisters would allow the girls at the Priory School to speak Hawaiian (outside of class) and dance hula
during a time when students were punished for doing so at
Kamehameha School and in the public schools. One kupuna told me that she thought hula survived partly because of
the
Episcopal
Church's openness.
Further, we have pressed for the restoration of Hawaiian in the liturgy honoring the King's translation of the BCP 1662. We have been too often connected to the aliʻi in history, but we are Hawaiian and it is a kuleana entrusted to the Church by the Holy Sovereigns to care for the spiritual well-being of all the people and the land. If you haven't seen it, please watch Grace and Beauty: 150 Years of the Episcopal Church in Hawa
iʻi
(
HERE
).
It also fits with the three Hawaiian values adopted as our diocesan values by the Convention in 2004: "Mana, Malama and Pono."
In life, we must seek to care for creation, for one another and all that God has given us: Mā
lama. We all affirm the call from God to live righteously and in respect one for another: Pono. We can affirm that all that is holy and good - the spiritual force of being comes from God: Mana. It is into such a vision of community that we can welcome all of the children of these islands. We can be a model of mālama in which we care for one another, for the hungry and lost of our islands, for the rejected and the houseless, for all God's creation - the land and the sea. We must live pono valuing right relationships with honesty and justice, respecting the dignity of every human being, seeking reconciliation with truth while rejecting violence and exploitation. Knowing that the Mana of God will work together through us for the good and peace of all.
This is not just about our history. We must embody another value that I understand to be important to the First People of these islands - "Ka lā hiki ola." We are called to look to "the dawning of a new day." The courage it took the Polynesians to sail into unknown waters guided by the stars, the clouds, the seas and the rising sun is needed today as well. By the gift of love and with guidance of God, we must live together with respect, dignity, honor, justice and peace. We must strive to make a difference in our world.
We can forgive and honor one another without denying our own faith and identity. We can be reconciled for the welfare of our elders and our children. I think we must affirm the words composed by Queen Lili'uokalani, on March 22, 1895. She composed them when she was under house arrest across the street in 'Iolani Palace (where she was visited by the Bishop and Sisters at the Priory) after the illegal, unjust and immoral overthrow of her government (with the help of United States Marines). In her "Queen's Prayer," this noble Queen (who was confirmed in the Cathedral of St. Andrew and always sat, I am told, in a pew near the choir), offers words of forgiveness and trust in God:
Your loving mercy is as high as Heaven
and your truth so perfect
I live in sorrow imprisoned. You are my light,
Your glory, my support.
Behold not with malevolence the sins of man.
But forgive and cleanse
And so, o Lord protect us beneath your wings
and let peace be our portion
Now and forever more.
Progressive
We are "progressive." I consciously didn't use the term liberal for theological reasons. Many of us are theologically more orthodox and "liberal" has a particular theological reference. In application of our faith, however, we tend to be inclusive and socially minded. Our historic advocacy for Hawaiian land rights, the ordination of women, marriage equality, prison reform and for the houseless makes us progressive. The Episcopal Church has been at the forefront of social issues for decades in the Islands. In 1985, the then Bishop of Hawai
ʻ
i, Ed Browning, was elected Presiding Bishop. His first words to the Episcopal Church in
his
new role were:
"
This Church of ours is open to all -- there will be no outcasts.
"
I think that
a
core value of this Diocese i
s
inclusivity. Claude DuTeil founded the IHS shelter in retirement as a peanut sandwich ministry out of the Cathedral. The many outreach ministries in the Diocese today embody our duty to service: "A Cup of Cold Water" on Maui, laundry ministries, feeding ministries, food banks, sheltering folk, etc.
Our current Presiding Bishop, Michael Curry, has challenged the Episcopal Church to be "The Jesus Movement: 'Following Jesus into a Loving, Liberating and Life-giving relationship with God, with each other and with creation'."
The term "Liberating" highlights our "progressive" position in the religious environment of the 21st century. It also fits with our three Hawaiian values noted above: "Mana, Malama and Pono
."
This identifies us as Episcopalians in the 21st century.
Catholic
The Church in Hawai
ʻi
was founded under the influence of the Oxford Movement with Queen Emma's Church of England connections being very
"
High Church.
"
In fact, the first name of the Church here in the Islands was "The Reformed Catholic Church in the Kingdom of Hawaii." The Sisters of the Society of the Most Holy Trinity arrived in 1867 at the request of Queen Emma and with the encouragement of Edward Bouverie Pusey and Bishop Samuel Wilberforce
of Oxford
.
I have a copy of Father Kenneth Bray's "charge" to the graduating class of 1940 at St. Andrew's Priory School. Father Bray (May 26, 1895 - January 9, 1953) was Vicar of the Hawaiian Congregation (then a separate congregation) at St. Andrew's Cathedral, Vicar of St. Mark's (Kapahulu), Chaplain at the Priory and football/baseball coach at ʻIolani - for much of his ministry in Hawai'i (1932 until his death) all four at once. I received a copy of the charge from a parishioner at St. Luke's when I was the Vicar. She was in the class of 1940 and kept the charge as her guiding light for decades. I have known many saints who were guided to faith by Father Bray. This charge reflects well his teaching:
"This Catholic Faith has educated you at the Priory. It has educated you well only if it has made you an active force for Fellowship, Righteousness, and Love. While others must lie helpless in war, you who are in peace must take up the burden of the Gospel of Incarnate Love in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost."
His assertion of "Fellowship, Righteousness, and Love" continues to be the "active force" that enlivens our Diocese.
Now, we are decidedly sacramental. I don't think we
understand
ourselves as Protestant (perhaps a reaction at first to the "American missionaries" and now, frankly, to conservative evangelicals) and we are decidedly not "Roman
."
Our constitutional (hierarchical) system with a bishop (in apostolic orders) makes us "catholic" in polity and our sacramental theology (with the Eucharist at the center of our lives) makes us "catholic" in worship. In our times, we are in style and form inclusive catholics. The weekly celebration of Holy Communion is an expectation. In fact, "smells and bells" seem to be more common. A desire to be more inclusive has encouraged us to raise up more local candidates for ordination. We have historically looked beyond ourselves - especially to Polynesia, Aotearoa, the Philippines and Japan. We value the intellect. Again, Claude DuTeil influenced thousands in his "Short-course in Christianity" held throughout the Diocese in the 1960's-1980's. Our catholic identity calls us to actively engage "Scripture, Tradition and Reason."
Baptismal Covenant
In addition, as Episcopalians in the 21st Century, we are shaped by an active affirmation of the Baptismal Covenant in the Book of Common Prayer (1979). I note that this includes three theological clauses (T) as well as the five behavioral clauses (B):
T1
| Celebrant |
Do you believe in God the Father?
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| People |
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
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| T2 |
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| Celebrant |
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God? |
| People |
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
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| T3 |
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| Celebrant |
Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit? |
| People |
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
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| B1 |
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| Celebrant |
Will you continue in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?
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| People |
I will, with God's help.
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| B2 |
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| Celebrant |
Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord.
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| People |
I will, with God's help.
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| B3 |
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| Celebrant |
Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ
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| People |
I will, with God's help.
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| B4 |
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| Celebrant |
Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?
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| People |
I will, with God's help.
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| B5 |
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| Celebrant |
Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
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| People |
I will, with God's help.
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The theological clauses provide the basis for behavior. Without the first three clauses we are not Christians, but only "good" people.
For Episcopalians o
ver the past two generations,
the Baptismal Covenant
is our foundation giving meaning to being "catholic" and providing impetus for being "progressive.
"
This is our theological and catechetical
identity
.
As we look to our place as Episcopalians in these Islands during the years to come, I think we are well-grounded with an honored history, well-formed core values ("Mana, Malama and Pono") and a clear identity that will allow us share a faith in Jesus Christ that is "Loving, Liberating and Life-giving."
"No ia mea, e nā hoahānau, e kupaʻa ʻoukou, me ka nāueue ʻole, me ka hoʻomau i kā ʻoukou hana nui ʻana i ka hana a ka Haku, no ka mea, ua ʻike nō ʻoukou, ʻaʻole i make hewa kā ʻoukou hana ʻana ma ka Haku." Korineto I 15.58
"Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58
Aloha ma o Iesu Kristo, ko mākou Haku,
+Bob
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DIOCESAN NEWS
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Editor's note: The April E-Chronicle has been combined with June for a mega-double issue. My deepest apologies for the delay. Some of you may be surprised to learn that I actually work from home on the north shore of Kaua'i (and not on O'ahu in the Office of the Bishop). My home is located on the bank of a river which placed me in the middle of the April flooding. As a result, "normal" life was put on hold for a bit. I've shared a personal account under the Kaua'i section. Thank you for your patience and understanding as nature ran its course on my beloved island. -- Sybil
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Strategic Plan 2017 Design Teams Begin Work
By The Rev. Cn. Kathleen Cullinane, Strategic Planning Manager
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On Saturday, April 7, 2018, over 35 volunteers from around the Diocese met to begin the process of implementing the Strategic Plan that was unveiled at the 2017 Annual Meeting of Convention. Three Design Teams have been formed: Spiritual Growth, 'Ohana, and Communications. The teams consist of people from every island where there is an Episcopal congregation.
This is only the beginning!
The Design Teams will continue to meet until Diocesan Convention in October of 2018, and will present their work at that meeting. This is a fluid and creative process and new members for the Design Teams are welcome as we move forward. Don't be surprised if a member of one of our Design Teams reaches out to you to ask your opinion about Spiritual Growth, 'Ohana or Communications. And, don't be surprised if a member of one of our Design Teams asks you to join them. There was good energy and synergy created at our first meeting as we look to the future of our life together as a Diocese.
Of course, there is no result to share just yet, but the process has begun and more will be reported as ideas unfold. You are welcome to provide input and you are welcome to join us. For more information please contact me, Canon Kate Cullinane at (808) 425-0675 or at kcullinane@episcopalhawaii.org.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Pictured at top from left, the Rev. Cn. Alexander "Sandy" Graham and organizer, the Rev. Kate Cullinane; Dr. Kim Payton, who served as the consultant in forming the Strategic Plan, returned to facilitate the meeting for this next phase; Ron Morinishi and Beth Charlton from the 'Ohana Design Team; design teams breakout in groups to brainstorm.
(Photos by S. Nishioka)
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Congratulations to the Diocese's Newest Deacons!
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"It's a great day in the Diocese!" exclaimed Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick as he presented six of the Diocese's newest deacons to a packed Cathedral audience.
The ordination took place on Saturday, June 9, 2018, in front of hundreds of relatives, friends, and well-wishers from near and far, and included members from sponsor churches on the neighbor islands of Maui and the Big Island. Pictured above with the Bishop are the newly ordained entering into the Transitional Diaconate: Alison Donohue Harding, Christopher Bridges, Jasmine Bostock, Ha'aheo Guanson, Mark Haworth and Preston Lentz.
Over the next six months, the deacons will be serving at churches throughout the Diocese as they continue their journey to the Priesthood. Unlike vocational deacons, all six are in the process of fulfilling the preliminary requirements of the Episcopal Church to serve as deacons before becoming a priest.
Pictured above: Before the service, dozens of clergy gathered in the breezeway below the bell tower; taking a moment for the camera are the Rev. Cn. Moki Hino, the Bishop and the Rev. Randy Albano; hundreds filled the pews for the special service. Below,
the Rev. Cn. Alexander "Sandy" Graham goes over the program with Cathedral Music Director and Organist, Todd Beckham, while Cathedral Verger, Roth Puahala instructs the Pu bearer and acolytes. Graham and Puahala collaborated on the program which was a beautiful blend of Hawaiian and traditional liturgy. The Bishop recited much of his portion of the service in Hawaiian, and d
uring the Presentation, candidates chose to make their declaration in either Hawaiian or English.
Pictured below from left, the Rev. Cn. Malcolm Naea Chun and Roth Puahala recited the Litany for Ordination and first reading in Hawaiian. The second reading was delivered by Pam Fern who serves on the Commission of Ministry, and the Gospel was read by Archdeacon Steve Costa. T
he Rev. Diana Akiyama, Vicar of St. Augustine's on the Big Island, delivered an exceptional sermon.
Although directed to the candidates, her words were steeped in God's love and Christ's teachings that anyone could relate to. Akiyama a
lso serves as the Dean of Waiolaihui'ia, the local formation program that three of the candidates graduated from, and her sermon reflected the deep personal relationship she developed with each of them.
"Your story, with its successes and failures, its joy and despair, is the truest and most authentic gift you will bring to your vocation," she shared.
To read her sermon in its entirety, click
HERE
.
Pictured below, the Bishop lays hands upon the head of the ordinands while reciting a prayer in Hawaiian; each was then presented with a Bible to "proclaim God's Word and to assist in the ministration of His holy sacraments"; and at far right the new deacons assist the Bishop with the Eucharist.
Following the service, the newly ordained deacons were showered with lei and hugs, and a fabulous reception awaited in Davies Hall.
Below, volunteers from various churches pitched in to prepare a lovely venue; folks were treated to a delicious feast; and at far right, bedecked with lei and beaming with joy, the deacons pose with a special celebratory cake decorated with their names. Congratulations and many thanks to all the clergy and volunteers for making it such a memorable event.
Many more photos of this event can be viewed on the Diocese's Facebook page
HERE and website gallery
HERE.
(Photos by S. Nishioka)
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Serve, Service, Servant: What it means to be a Deacon
By Archdeacon Steve Costa
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The following from Archdeacon Steve Costa is a reflection and call to all who may be discerning a closer walk with God, possibly as a vocational deacon. His reflection begins with passages from the Book of Common Prayer concerning deacons:
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In the name of Jesus Christ, you are to serve all people, particularly the poor, the weak, the sick, and the lonely.
As a deacon in the Church, you are to study the Holy Scriptures, to seek nourishment from them, and to model your life upon them. You are to make Christ and his redemptive love known, by your word and example, to those among whom you live, and work, and worship. You are to interpret to the Church the needs, concerns, and hopes of the world. You are to assist the bishop and priests in public worship and in the ministration of God's Word and Sacraments, and you are to carry out other duties assigned to you from time to time. At all times, your life and teaching are to show Christ's people that in serving the helpless they are serving Christ himself.
--
The Book of Common Prayer, p
543
Q. What is the ministry of a deacon?
A. The ministry of a deacon is to represent Christ and his Church, particularly as a servant of those in need; and to assist bishops and priests in the proclamation of the Gospel and the administration of the sacraments. --The Book of Common Prayer, p856
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 Serve all people. Be of service to the poor, weak, sick and lonely. Be a servant of those in need. First and foremost for a deacon is service. A deacon becomes the hands, feet, eyes, ears and heart of Jesus in all that he or she does. It is not easy, but it is also not a choice. Most who are called to the diaconate have been doing the work of a deacon long before they were ordained. The tug on their heart has been something they have been denying a long time. They think that just doing the work of Jesus would be enough, but like Jonah, they can only find peace when they devote heart, soul, mind and strength to God.
But it doesn't mean they do it all by themselves - NO - they bring the needs of those outside the walls of the church into the walls of the church and inspire others to help. They are an interpreter for those who speak a different language from regular church-goers. Where some may see a homeless person and give him or her a few dollars, a deacon will engage this person, listen to what they are saying or not saying, and engage others to help bring this person what he/she needs.
Yes, it is not easy, but the pull on the heart to serve, to be of service, to become a servant, can be rewarding, fulfilling, joyful! But most of all, it brings one closer to God.
There are three pages on the website to take a look at:
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Following The Rev. Annalise Pasalo:
United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNSCW)
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The following contains excerpts from an article by David Paulsen of the Episcopal News Service that features our own Rev. Annalise Pasalo, currently serving as the Chaplain at The St. Andrew's Schools. Rev. Annalise was one of 20 people selected by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry to represent him at the UNCSW meeting this past March. The article also contains reflections and photos from Rev. Annalise's blog and Facebook page where she recorded her experiences.
The 20 Episcopalians representing Presiding Bishop Michael Curry at the
United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, or UNCSW, [wrapped up] up two weeks of meetings, conversations, activities and prayer in New York - an experience they say has emboldened them in their work toward improving the lives of women back in their dioceses.
"I want to spread the word," the Rev. Annalise Pasalo, a delegate from the Diocese of Hawaii, told Episcopal News Service by phone. "I hope that the wider church is aware of the incredible work that we're involved in at the U.N."
The 62nd UNCSW was held March 12-23, 2018, and this year's themes were gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in rural communities.
The
presiding bishop's delegation included 17 visiting delegates
, along with two Episcopal Church staff members and an intern.
The delegation was a diverse group, ranging from 15 to 70 years old and coming from as far away as Venezuela and Puerto Rico, as well as from dioceses across mainland U.S. They also included one man, a researcher from Oklahoma who works on women's issues there.
As U.N. negotiators worked to finalize and approve a report from the session, much of what the document [contains] mirrors the priorities identified by the Episcopal Church, according to Lynnaia Main, the Episcopal Church representative to the United Nations.
"We've been learning that the priorities our church has lifted up are very much mainstream," she said.
Curry had submitted a statement to UNCSW, based on General Convention resolutions. Episcopal delegates looked to that statement and its priorities in shaping their advocacy as they shared their own stories, reflections and concerns during the two weeks.
 Curry's statement called on the U.N. community and civil society to address gender inequality and barriers to empowerment of women and girls by doing the following:
- Prioritize resources and programs for marginalized groups of rural women and girls,
- Extend access to basic resources and services to rural areas,
- Address environmental concerns and extend land rights, and
- Promote gender equality education and practices and eradicate gender-based violence.
"You have come to the seat of the nations of the earth to encourage our leaders and to show them how to end the nightmare and realize the dream for all of us,"
Curry told the Episcopal delegates and their Anglican counterparts on March 12 at a Eucharist at the Episcopal Church Center that kicked off their work at UNCSW.
(Pictured at right, photo by Mary Schjonberg, ENS)
Pasalo works as a school chaplain at
St. Andrew's Schools
, which operates an all-girls school and an all-boys school in Honolulu. Her first steps when she returns from UNCSW will be to share her experiences with others in her community, in presentations scheduled with the local Episcopal Church Women group and the all-girls school's students. She also expects to speak about her UNCSW experiences at parishes around Honolulu.
The UNCSW included representatives of member states, U.N. entities and nongovernmental organizations like the Episcopal Church that have been accredited by the U.N.'s Economic and Social Council. Pasalo was impressed by the Episcopal Church's advocacy work with the U.N. and now wants to do her part to bring that work to the local level.
"Though it is global, it's personal too, so we all have a part to play," she said.
Pasalo is originally from Oregon and spent some time living in rural areas of the state. She also worked several years in rural Thailand and understands the challenges women face in those kinds of communities. "I see where their lack of infrastructure doesn't always provide for the needs of the community, especially for women," she said.
The discussions at UNCSW that resonated most for her were those focusing on improving gender parity at the higher levels of institutions in society. "I would love to see that happen across the board, in schools, in government, in churches," she said.
To read the ENS article in its entirety, click
HERE
.
For more information on the 62nd session of the UNCSW, visit their website
HERE
.
In photos and video logs on her Facebook page, Rev. Annalise shared her experiences in the meetings, workshops and activities she was involved in, and of the many women she met that have inspired her. The following are just a few of her comments:
(Above left):
Yesterday I got to meet Geraldine Byrne Nason, Permanent Representative of Ireland to the UN and Chair of the sixty-second session of the Commission on the Status of Women.
(Above center photo): I got to meet one of the women I have come to admire so much during my time at the UN, Lopa Banerjee, Chief of Civil Society section for UN Women. Her example inspires me to do my part in fighting for gender equality.
(Above right): In a video reflection, Rev. Annalise speaks from the
Interfaith Church Center for the United Nations where they worshiped every morning. "As a delegation from the Episcopal Church, its been awesome to meet people from all of the different denominations working for a common goal."
(Right): I have learned so much from the youth and young adults that I have served with at UNCSW. It was a reminder that we HAVE to listen to the wisdom of our youth and acknowledge their voices!
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#MarchForOurLives: Reflections from Hawai'i Participants
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In the aftermath of the horrific shooting in February at a Florida high school, a powerful display of support and activism for stricter gun control laws manifested into the #MarchForOurLives event held on March 24, 2018. Our communities, the nation and world came together to address the controversial issue in an effort to bring an end to mass shootings. A group from the Diocese of Hawai'i attended the historic march in Washington, D.C., while others took part in local marches and rallies. Prior to the group's departure, three youth from St. Clement's and St. Elizabeth's were interviewed in a Hawaii News Now report
HERE
. Below are reflections from three of the participants.
The Rev. Cn. Moki Hino, The Cathedral of St. Andrew, Honolulu
On Saturday, March 24, 2018, I joined over 800,000 people who gathered on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington D.C., to rally for gun control after the February 14 Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting in Parkland, Florida. Not only did we listen to musical offerings by noted celebrities like Miley Cyrus and Jennifer Hudson, but we also listened to moving speeches by the students who were there on that tragic day as well as a stirring call to action by the nine year old granddaughter of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The student organizers reminded us of the importance to register to vote and also of our civic responsibility to show up at the polls or submit an absentee ballot. The most stirring moment of the gathering was when Emma Gonzalez stood at the podium in silence for six minutes and 20 seconds, the exact amount of time that it took the shooter to kill the 17 people at the school. It reminded me of the line from St. John of the Cross who said, "Silence is God's first language."
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Moki with the Arakawas |
The night before the march, the Washington National Cathedral held a prayer vigil for the families and victims of the February 14 shooting. An Episcopalian mother and father of one of the victims (their 14-year-old daughter), stood in front of the congregation and gave testimony about the effect the murder of their daughter had on their lives, and paid tribute to their daughter's love of life.
I was joined in the streets of our nation's capital by a number of people from the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i who traveled to Washington to lend their hearts, feet, and voices to this very important cause. We marched not to make a political statement, but to take a moral stand against violence and as a prayer for peace.
______________________________________________________________________________
Jill Haworth, Parish of St. Clement, Honolulu
What an amazing experience for our students that had the privilege of being at the March for Our Lives 2018 in Washington, D.C.!
 On the day of the March, we were hosted by St. Mark's Episcopal Church on Capitol Hill, where they provided a place to store our luggage and to warm up with lively conversation and refreshments. Before hitting the streets, the acolytes in our group got a quick lesson by the verger from the National Cathedral (pictured at left) who is also a member of our host church.
The group from the Diocese of Hawai'i included youth from the Parish of St. Clement and St. Elizabeth's. They marched down Pennsylvania Avenue in matching hoodies and kukui nut lei, and also wore fingerless gloves with the "Knowing Eye" knitted by parish members of both churches. The youth marched as close as they could to the main stage before a sea of people in front of them prevented them from moving any further. Truly, we were proud to carry our signs high with the motto based on a prayer we heard at the vigil the
night before: Hearts be brave! Hearts be bold! March 4 Aloha!!
 Our group was honored to meet up with Senator Brian Schatz and his family and staff. (A video by Gray Washington News Bureau featuring students from Hawai'i and Senator Schatz can be viewed HERE.)
After the March, we returned to St. Mark's while students sought out individuals to share their kukui nut lei. They had been instructed to wear the lei during the March and then share it with others. Volunteers registering people to vote, members of the National Guard, Capitol police, and volunteers at St. Mark's were touched by their aloha. It was a
perfect way to enter into Holy Week!
Some of the students were able to stay a few extra days in Washington D.C. for sightseeing and also meet with Senator Mazie Hirono (below center) and Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (below right). After viewing the new Obama portraits at the National Portrait Gallery, one student asked if we could see the 1813 American flag at the Smithsonian American History Museum, and commented that she loved being able to see the things that she has only been able to read about.
The youth from St. Clement's were: Sam Chapman, Zoe Chapman, Griffin Frank, Tanner Haworth, Pamela Lino, Jack McManus, Margaret McManus; and from St. Elizabeth's: Daniel Yuen-Schat, Joshua Yuen-Schat, and Naomi Yuen-Schat. The students are so thankful for this once in a lifetime opportunity and the outpouring of love and support they have received throughout the planning and the entire trip.
They are already talking about their new-found responsibility to continue their fight to make a change. We've been discussing voter registration in Hawaii and ways to change the apathy in voter turnout in our state... and homelessness.
One student asked why there isn't a March for homelessness.
Hope.
I am so privileged and thankful, along with my fellow adult chaperones Kimberly Frank and Ajaon Siyami, to bear witness to so much love and hope.
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Dixie Kaetsu, Diocesan Council, Hilo/Honolulu
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Pictured above is Dixie with Andrew Arakawa and his son Liam from Hilo. The Arakawas are currently in Virginia while Andrew attends Seminary.
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Being in the midst of hundreds of thousands of like-minded people is something I had never experienced before. It was amazing, euphoric, and very cold (the weather, that is)! My friend and I decided to go to
Washington, D.C., as soon as the march was announced on the Sunday after the shootings at Parkland, Florida. What I found unique and irresistible about this particular march was that teenagers were taking matters into their own hands and doing something adults had failed to do: inject some common sense into the discussion about guns and gun control and demand action from those who run our country.
One of my most vivid impressions of the March was that all the speakers in the three hour-long program were young people whose lives had in some way been touched by gun violence. Every single one. In spite of receiving large monetary donations from celebrities, the youth retained control of the program. They realized that the fact they were white and well off gave them a podium that other young victims of gun violence did not have, and they invited survivors from other tragedies to also tell their story. This included those in the Black Lives Matter movement and those from other school shootings, including Sandy Hook Elementary School.
One of the most moving speakers was the nine-year-old granddaughter of Martin Luther King, Jr. In her talk she quoted her grandfather, then she led the huge crowd in a chant: "Spread the word. Have you heard? All across the nation. We are going to be a great generation." She made us repeat it several times until it was loud enough. After she left the podium, there was an impromptu chant that started at the back of the huge crowd: "Vote her in! Vote her in!"
The closing song performed by Jennifer Hudson greatly moved me. Bob Dylan wrote "The Times They Are a-Changin" in 1963, in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement and before the most intense Vietnam War protests. It was a perfect song to end the March because I believe that with our young people speaking up and taking a stand against gun violence, we are on the brink of real change for our nation, change for the better.
Thanks be to God!
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Many thanks to Fr. Moki, Jill and Dixie for their contributions to this article. Photos were taken and/or contributed by Moki Hino, Jill Haworth, Kimberly Frank and Dixie Kaetsu.
Meanwhile, back in Hawai'i, local events took place on each of the main islands. Pictured above from left, thousands turned out at the State Capitol including Dr. Ha'aheo Guanson, Anne Murphy (holding Bella) and Ann Hansen. A video of the rally by KITV Island News can be viewed HERE, that was followed by a march to Ala Moana. At right, members of Christ Memorial on Kaua'i organized a sign waving event, and despite the rain, over 200 from the small community lined up along the highway to show their support.
(Photos contributed by Ann Hansen and Christ Memorial)
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| Our Prison Ministries
Closing Makahiki Ceremonies
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The Diocese's prison ministry continues to develop and expand, and the newly formed Prison Task Force made its first official visit to the annual closing Makahiki Ceremonies at the Halawa and Waiawa Correctional Centers in March. In the photo above at the Halawa Correctional Center, you may be able to spot the Rev. Canon Alexander "Sandy" Graham, Fr. David Gierlach, Rev. Kate Cullinane, Archdeacon Steve Costa, Dcn. Mark Haworth, and the founders of the program, Kahu Kaleo Patterson and Dcn. Ha'aheo Guanson. Below, pa'ahao perform the rituals of the closing ceremony. To listen to an informative interview with Patterson about the closing Makahiki and promising prison ministry on Hawai'i Public Radio, click
HERE.
(Photos contributed by Kahu Kaleo Patterson)
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Episcopal Church Women
Annual Quiet Day Retreat
Story and Photos by Louise Aloy, President, ECW Hawai'i
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On March 24, 2018, twenty ladies enjoyed a cold and rainy Saturday at Saint Anthony Retreat Center in Kalihi Valley for our Annual ECW Quiet Day Retreat. The theme of the retreat was "Surrendering to the Love of God" and the Rev. Alison Dingley served as our spiritual leader.
Participants formed groups of four and read a particular Scripture in three different versions. They were then asked to share with each other what word or words were speaking to us, and what God was calling us to do as a church and/or individually. Everyone had a chance to share their thoughts with one another and each group was in deep and heavy conversation. It was a very good exercise.
The Rev. Alison then touched on the book "The Shack." She had asked that we read the book or watch the movie prior to our retreat, and there was a little time left for quiet reflection before lunch was served.
After a delicious buffet lunch, we gathered to make an Easter craft with a washcloth and shaped it like a bunny. It was so cute and so much fun to do.
It was another successful ECW event! Mahalo for the support of those that helped put it together.
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Strengthening Ties in the Philippines
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In early March, over 60 clergy and lay people from the Episcopal Diocese of the Northern Philippines (EDNP) gathered in the town of Tadian in the Mountain Province at Saint Michael's and All Angels Episcopal Church for a clergy retreat on the topic of call led by the Rev. Cn.
Moki
Hino
from the Cathedral of Saint Andrew in Honolulu.
Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick and Canon
Hino
serve together on the Joint Commission of the Philippine Church; a body that was formed to strengthen the ties between the two provinces after the Philippine church went independent from the American church. At the request of Bishop Brent Alawas of the EDNP, Bishop Fitzpatrick sent Canon
Hino
to the Philippines to conduct the retreat.
Over the course of two days, participants engaged in Bible study, listened to various stories of call from amongst the attendees, prayed the Ignatian Examens, and participated in group spiritual direction exercises. Bishop Alawas has invited Canon
Hino
to return to the Philippines next year to conduct a follow up retreat on discipleship.
In a weekly address in the Cathedral e-news, Canon Hino shared an interesting story about a personal connection he drew upon while in the Philippines: "While I was there, I also shared the story of my uncle, Alfred Griffiths, and my Aunt Ernestine (my paternal grandmother's sister) who hid out in the jungles of the Philippines during World War II and were eventually taken prisoners of war. Many of the clergy in the Northern Philippines knew of my Uncle Alfred and I was very touched by that. After the retreat itself, I went to the town of Sagada... that was founded by Episcopalians, and I felt spiritually renewed by its raw and stunning beauty." (Photos contributed by the Rev. Cn. Moki Hino)
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50 Years A Priest
By The Rev. Thomas Buechele
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The following is a reflection by retired priest The Rev. Thomas Buechele, who remains very active, sharing the Good News wherever he goes.
On June 1, 2018, I will have been ordained a priest for 50 years. I do believe that "the only attitude is gratitude," so allow me to thank God, my loving and beautiful wife, Jean, my mentors and friends, and all those brothers and sisters in the Lord who have helped me be a sojourner of Jesus Christ. For those of you who do not know me well, I have served as a priest in both the Roman Catholic Church and The Episcopal Church. I respect and honor both Christian traditions and have felt blessed by the faithful lay and clergy of both denominations.
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In Arizona in 2011 at Border March and Prayer Breakfast for Immigration Reform.
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I revel in the love of Jesus Christ, the friendship of God, the Creator Friend, and the movement of the wind of fire of the Spirit. I adhere to the power of the proclaimed and taught Gospel of Jesus. I hold fast to those teachings of Christian Churches that promote the common good, seek inclusion rather than exclusion, work for peace through justice, choose options for the poor, speak prophetically against racial prejudice, and recycle, reuse, and repair the abundance of the Creators planet. I admire greatly the Christian Churches, my brother and sister Jews and Muslims, who have done and continue to do spectacularly good things for the benefit of suffering humanity.
My desire was always to be a "parish priest" and although I did spend a small amount of time working in a "Bishop's Office" my most pleasant and memorable times have been leading worship and preaching on Sunday mornings. I still thrill to the music and lyrics of Gospel music, administering communion to the home bound, anointing the sick, praying with folks in the hospital, standing at someone's deathbed, blessing cars, animals, medals, and wedding rings. Texas migrant farmworkers, Mexican and Filipino immigrants will always hold a very special place in my heart, because truly "Dios no tiene fronteras," God has no borders! There were days in my ministry when I never spoke a word of English and I still find myself offering the hope-filled saying, "Si Dios Quiere," God willing!
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At St. Columba's in 2013 where he "replanted" the church.
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My priest ministry has taken me across North America...Iowa to Arizona...to Mexico...to Central America and to the middle of the ring of fire...Hawaii; and now the Pacific Northwest. I'm still ministering as a part-time priest-in-charge of a small congregation, St. Martin's Episcopal Church, on the beautiful Rogue River in Shady Cove, Oregon. I'm a "retired" priest of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawaii, licensed in Oregon, gratefully receiving two pensions: Episcopal and Roman Catholic.
It's a challenge to be a Church leader these days. There are a lot of challenges with the decline in Church attendance, fewer priests, abuse of authority, sexual misconduct, and divisiveness in the Christian body. The "Gospel of prosperity," the negating of shame and guilt, the inability to forgive, the use of the scriptures to justify excluding whole groups of people bother me a lot. I struggle with leadership that insists on closing churches and not thinking "outside the box." Imagine if Lewis and Clark when encountering the towering Rockies, said..oops, let's go home!
While there comes a time when a priest needs to call it quits because of physical or mental incapacity, there is a current of "ageism" that runs strongly throughout our society and its institutions, including the Church, that judge being of a certain age automatically negates the ability, experience and commitment of its elders.
I am proud to be affiliated with the Episcopal Church which has been ordaining women for 42 years and, more recently, the blessing of LBGTQ+ persons and marriages. I also greatly honor and appreciate Pope Francis, the Dali Lama, Archbishop TuTu, and the myriad of great religious leaders of the world. Living in a post-Christian world has its exciting moments when other denominations drop their "exceptionalism", especially "white," and strive to work together in ministry mission and worship.
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ost of all I salute those congregations and their leaders who feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty,
clothe the naked, welcome the stranger, care for the sick, and minister to the prisoners. I seek to continue to be about
collaboration, appreciation, servanthood and most of all, mission.
It is always appreciated when someone says, "what a nice, older priest." but I really get excited when someone asks, "what on earth is he up to now?"
Thank You. Muchas Gracias. Mahalo Nui Loa!
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| Our Schools |
Ascension Day at The St. Andrew's Schools
On Thursday, May 10, students, family, faculty, staff and alumnae gathered together for the annual Ascension Day festivities, celebrated 40 days after Easter. It is also a time to celebrate and honor the school's founder, Queen Emma. Part of a long-standing tradition is the decoration of the Coral Cross by the Junior Class as a gift to the school, and students oftentimes work into the wee hours of the morning. Pictured above from left, Chaplain Annalise Pasalo helps prep one of the 5,000 flowers that will adorn the cross; students march in for the assembly; the beautiful Coral Cross is completed, and Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick at the Cathedral for the Ascension Day service.
(Photos from the St. Andrew's Schools Facebook page)
Congratulations St. Andrew's Priory Class of 2018!
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Congratulations 'Iolani School Class of 2018
On Saturday, June 2, 2018, the Class of 2018 held their Commencement at 'Iolani School.
Prior to graduation, the Classes of 2024 and 2018 sang the Alma Mater together in St. Alban's Chapel and at right, the Class of 2018 takes their "One Team" photo.
(All photos from the 'Iolani Facebook page)
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O'AHU PARISH NEWS
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O'AHU REGIONAL CONFIRMATIONS
This year's Regional Confirmation Ceremonies took place during the months of April and May. On O'ahu, the East Honolulu Regional Confirmation took place on Friday, April 20, 2018 at Holy Nativity Episcopal Church in Aina Haina. From Holy Nativity three were confirmed: Natalie Whittemore Okeson, Nancy Ann Thomas and Joseph Kindrich. Pictured above from St. Mark's is Jesse Nishita Wilson (with lei) who was confirmed.
(Photo from the St. Mark's Facebook page)
On April 22, 2018, the Honolulu Regional Confirmation service took place at St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church. From the Cathedral of St. Andrew (above left), three were confirmed: Kaoru Farmer, Harry Walker Farmer, Jr., and Dorothy Pierce; three were received: Brian Moore, Kimberly Click and Jennifer Beckham; and Lloyd Keanu Young was reaffirmed. From St. Elizabeth's Cherish Langi (above center), and Anau Tokoma'ata were confirmed; and Jennifer Ann Beckham and Kenneth Yamasaki were received. From St. Paul's, ten people were reaffirmed: Nenita Agbayani, Marianing Agbayani, Remeeh Castillo, Julie Dureg, Rodel Dureg, Rose Galanto, Albina Gamponia, Elisha Marquez, Victor Marquez, and Eugene Tunac. From St. Peter's, Ashlyn Naomi Mee Ran Kim was confirmed.
The East O'ahu Regional Confirmation was held on Saturday, May 19, 2018, at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Kailua. Below left, from Emmanuel, two were confirmed: Raquel "Kelly" Montezuma Hicks and Susanna Conway; Stephen Guerra was received. From St. Christopher's (below right) Harold Kenneth Snyder was confirmed and Karen Janacek Gifford was received.
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The following article is from the St. Peter's monthly newsletter, and photos from their Facebook page.
The Windows of St. Peter's Through Music
A beautiful afternoon was enjoyed by all on
Pentecost Sunday, May 20, 2018, at "The Windows of
St. Peter's through Music" Concert. While
listening to soaring music on the restored pipe
organ by Dr. Jospeh Eppink, St. Peter's Director
of Music, guests also enjoyed a variety of music
by the St. Peter's Choir, the St. Peter's Ukulele
Ministry, Dr. Eppink's Papa Himeni Hospice
Choir, and The Tongan Tokaikolo Choir and
Youth Group, all while learning stories about St.
Peter's stained glass windows! Dr. Joseph Eppink
is to be
commended for his excellent work in
researching stories of the windows and designing
the music and program for the concert. What a
gift to all of us, Joseph! Thank you! (Eppink appears in the center photo with the Rev. Diane Martinson, Rector of St. Peter's, and also in the photo at right playing the newly restored organ.)
Following the concert, guests enjoyed a feast in the Parish Hall, coordinated by our youth, Sela Kimura and Jenna Matsumoto, and their families under the capable direction of Velma and Keith Lee and Elizabeth Winternitz and Steve Mitchell. Thank you to Bruce Yamamoto and Jaime Yamane for providing a very special treat of 200 Bubbies raspberry mochi white chocolate ice cream treat. What a yummy way to end a
great evening!
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Happy Mother's Day at St. Mary's
We share this lovely photo taken at St. Mary's on Mother's Day, with a lot of happy moms!
(Photo from the St. Mary's monthly newsletter)
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Holy Cross: A Hidden Gem on the North Shore of O'ahu
If you were to ask someone about Holy Cross Episcopal Church, chances are they wouldn't know anything about it, but nestled in the northernmost part of O'ahu in Kahuku, sits this hidden gem that is currently a preaching station. It's a quaint country church located below the Ko'olaus and across from the Malaekahana Campgrounds. There is no regular priest here and up until March, there was no Eucharist, yet every Sunday at 9:15 AM, a morning service has been held by a lay leader of the congregation. The church is a vital presence on the coast and serves parishioners from Pupukea, Sunset Beach, Turtle Bay, and all the way to Punalu'u.
On the last day of Lent in March, the Rev. Malcolm Keleawe Hee made a visit to Holy Cross, and shared the Holy Eucharist.
"You will feel immediately welcomed by the congregation!" said Fr. Keleawe in an e-mail conversation. On this day, Peter from Walla Walla, Washington was visiting Holy Cross and helped Fr. Keleawe with the procession by carrying the cross. Holy Cross has since decided to have a priest come out quarterly to receive Communion.
Pictured above is the outside of the church and the altar. Below is Fr. Keleawe with Holy Cross parishioners Thomas, Tony, Boyd, Sally, Nani, Ruth and Lynette. "You can feel God sitting next to you as you relax under the tree on the front porch after the service," says Fr. Keleawe. "If you're in the area, make it a point to come and visit!"
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(Photos contributed by Fr. Keleawe Hee)
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| Cathedral Highlights |
The Reverend Malcolm Nāea Chun Installed as
"The Right Reverend Edwin Lani Hanchett Honorary Canon"
On Pentecost Sunday, May 20, 2018, Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick installed the Rev. Malcolm Nāea Chun as an Honorary Canon of the Cathedral of St. Andrew filling "The Right Reverend Edwin Lani Hanchett Chair," named in honor of the first Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai`i and the first person of Native Hawaiian ancestry to be called to the episcopacy in the Church. The person filling the Hanchett canonship "shall have faithfully served the Diocese of Hawaiʻi and the broader community giving special care to Native Hawaiians." It was previously held by the Rev. Cn. Darrow Kanakanui Aiona from May 11, 2008 until his death on December 20, 2012.
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(Photos contributed by the Rev. Cn. Moki Hino)
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The Rev. Cn. Moki Hino read the following citation before the formal installation:
The Reverend Malcolm Nāea Chun was born on July 26, 1954, in Honolulu. He was baptized on July 26, 1954, in St. Alban's Chapel, ʻIolani School, Honolulu, and confirmed in the same chapel on May 18, 1967. Malcolm was ordained to the transitional Diaconate on October 28, 2011, here in the Cathederal of St. Andrew, and to the Priesthood here on June 10, 2012.
Malcolm has a rich and productive career and ministry. As a scholar, he is a graduate of ʻIolani School, and of the University of Hawaiʻi with both Bachelor's and Master's degrees. His studies have taken him to St. John's Theological College, Auckland, New Zealand, the Vancouver School of Theology in Canada. He was awarded a Ph.D. in Indigenous Studies by Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, Whakatane, Aotearoa (New Zealand), in May 2012. He has been a teacher and scholar throughout the world including Vancouver School of Theology, and with various schools and programs here in Hawaiʻi. He is the author of several books and articles including
Makahiki, Land Carver Series; Kāhuna, Traditions of Hawaiian Medicinal Priests and Healing Practitioners; Ka Na'i Aupuni: Kamehameha and his Feather Gods; Tahitian Colonies and Sorcery; and
No Na Mamo: Traditional and Contemporary Hawaiian Beliefs and Practices.
Within the Diocese, his ministry has included service as a priest at St. John's by the Sea, Kahuluʻu; Holy Nativity, Aina Haina; and here at the Cathedral. He has served as the Chair of the Commission on Native Hawaiian Ministries. For the Episcopal Church and the international Anglican Communion, Malcolm has served on the Council on Indigenous Ministry, the Indigenous Theological Training Institute Board, and the Anglican Indigenous Network, including serving as Secretary General of that body.
Lastly, among his many accomplishments and awards, Malcolm was presented the Bishop's award as a graduating senior from ʻIolani School in June 1972. Bishop Lani Hanchett was the Bishop who gave him the award. It is now only fitting that Malcolm be called upon to fill the honorary canonship named for Bishop Hanchett.
Bishop Fitzpatrick, on behalf of the Chapter of the Cathedral of St. Andrew, I commend Malcolm Nāea Chun to you.
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The following article and photos are from the Cathedral of St. Andrew website.
Fr. Moki Hosts Students from the International Hospitality Center
By Elizabeth Conklin, The Cathedral of St. Andrew
Founded in 1976, the International Hospitality Center (IHC) is a private, community-based, volunteer organization that provides a variety of cross-cultural experiences, homestays, English language study and professional training to sponsored exchange students and government and foundation grantees. The students spend a year at various schools around the State of Hawai'i, and come from places like the Ukraine, Georgia, Lithuania, Nigeria and Malaysia. Each year the IHC (housed in the offices of St. Andrew's Schools) takes its students on a daylong field trip to worship sites of different faiths in Honolulu. The tour usually begins at the Cathedral of St. Andrew, where the students learn about the history of the Cathedral and the Episcopal Church. On May 3, 2018, Fr. Moki hosted students from the IHC at the Cathedral.
Fr. Moki writes:
Being with the students from the International Hospitality Center is one of my favorite days of the year at the Cathedral. I get to share the church with high school students from all over the world and from many different faith traditions. They love trying on the priestly vestments. It warms my heart.
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KAUA'I PARISH NEWS
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Recovery Will Take Time After Record-setting Rain and Flooding
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(Photos of Hanalei damage by Janece Branco Yatsko)
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The historical rainfall and flooding that occurred in the wee hours of April 15, 2018, made national news, and changed the landscape and lives of many on Kaua'i. Most affected were those living near rivers and streams where nearly 50 inches of rain in a 24-hour period caused raging waters to overflow their banks and devastate everything in its path. Hardest hit was the north shore where the town of Hanalei was under water, and over a dozen landslides cut off access to a portion of the island past Hanalei. Helicopters had to rescue dozens of stranded hikers on the Kalalau Trail and for weeks, boats and helicopters provided food and transport to those trapped on the northernmost part of the island.
In Hanalei Town, Aloha Preschool has been utilizing the former St. Thomas Episcopal Church building that closed several years ago, and is under the auspices of Christ Memorial Episcopal Church in Kilauea. Pictured below left and center, the preschool was heavily damaged, but with strong support from the community and over $37,000 raised on a GoFundMe page, they were able to re-open in time for students to graduate. The Rev. Gae Chalker of Christ Memorial says that donations have been coming in to assist flooding victims including Aloha Preschool, and thanks everyone for their generosity.
(Aloha School photos from their website; Cathy Butler photo by S. Nishioka)
Pictured above right holding bananas, Cathy Butler of Christ Memorial immediately organized the preparation of food for victims and volunteers, working with various agencies and sites. Cathy, who has been instrumental in the development of the successful Food Pantry that utilizes the Christ Memorial parish hall every Saturday, shared how she and her husband Bill feel fortunate to be able to donate their time and personal resources to those in need. It's been two months since the flood, and they continue to supply food to volunteers working hard to repair the north shore.
The road to full recovery will take time and is progressing, but the trickle-down effect is being felt. The loss of affordable rental homes has put a strain on an already tight market, and many displaced victims are forced to bunk with friends and family.
Vacation homes that were destroyed or are not accessible have affected those that clean and manage them. With some of the most picturesque beaches now inaccessible, other beaches, including Hanalei Bay are seeing larger crowds.
Governor Ige recently signed a bill to release disaster relief funds that will go towards repairs, and also to create much needed jobs that are currently being done by volunteers, like replanting landslide areas and keeping stream systems clean.
A June 6 Hawaii News Now posting features a video update on the recovery that can be viewed HERE. For more information on how you can help, visit the Hawaii News Now link HERE.
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Encountering the Flood and the Grace of God
Story and Photos by Sybil Nishioka, Editor
It was the harrowing sound of the baby goats and their mamas screaming for their lives next door that brought me to my feet. For the past 6 hours, I was trying to comfort my terrified pets from the relentless lightning and thunder that shook the house and my soul to its core. The lightning and thunder were nearly simultaneous, going off every 2-3 seconds for hours on end!
I imagined that this was what war must be like in the middle of a shelling attack, and why soldiers experience PTSD. I just wanted it to STOP! But when I heard the screams of the goats piercing the night, I knew something was dreadfully wrong.
Our family has been in this picturesque valley for well over 120 years. The small river that snakes through the lush foliage and past my home, empties into a turquoise bay that holds some of my fondest memories. It is here where my dad grew up, where we spent our summer vacations, where I chose to raise my son, and where I have lived for the past 20+ years. Over the last century, our family has lost two homes to tsunamis, survived hurricanes, and accepted flooding from the river as a normal part of life.
My home is built on columns 10 feet high to address flooding issues, where "flooding" meant the river would come up under the house a few inches to a foot maybe a couple times a year. On rare occasions, it has risen a few feet, but never, NEVER, EVER can anyone recall flooding and devastation like that of April 15, 2018.
I grabbed my flashlight to see what was going on with the goats. I lost track of time but It must have been 2:00 or 3:00 in the morning. I didn't get far. The turbulent muddy water was already 5-6 feet high under the house and rapidly climbing up the stairs. Trapped, I retreated to
the bedroom with my pets prepared to stuff towels along the bottom of the door. Beyond that, it was all in God's hands. As the minutes ticked by, I sat there worried about my neighbors who were ground level.
Did they get out safely? Did they need help? I heard a car horn go off in the distance and didn't stop. Was someone trapped? Would they drown? I never felt so helpless and useless in my life. My heart sank even further when I realized the goats were now silent.
The waters receded just as the sun was rising. Thankfully my home was spared although everything below was gone except for my faithful Matrix, lodged sideways against a column, filled with mud and water. I cannot fathom the force of water to destroy and move the things that it did. All around there was widespread devastation and many animals perished including all 27 goats next door, most washed out to sea. But the miracle was that no human life was lost. My neighbors left in chest-high waters in the middle of the night guided only by the strobe-like flashes of lightning. The water had risen so suddenly and so quickly that there was no time to think---only react. One neighbor escaped with her mom and twin toddlers, clutching them close to their hearts through the torrent of water and debris! But they made it to safety! We heard about the destruction in Hanalei and how folks in Haena were cut off by a dozen landslides. But no one died or was injured!
So with 50 inches of rain dumped on this corner of paradise, landscapes were changed, homes left in ruin, treasured keepsakes lost forever... but t
he Grace of God was evident everywhere. 100 foot trees that could have taken out houses were diverted... a car that was stuck in the branches of a tree could have smashed into a home... and that darn overgrown hau bush that had blocked most of my river view was GONE! Hallelujah!
Minutes after the water receded, we were forced to evacuate for fear of a breach in a water reservoir above the valley, and luckily so because more rain with that ear-splitting thunder brought a second round of flooding a few hours later. When the waters receded for the second time we were still in evacuation mode, but unbeknownst to me, it didn't stop people from going house to house with heavy machinery. At my home, they put back a fence, replanted and staked all the uprooted palms that had fallen against the house and moved all the large trees and trunks that were strewn in the yard. When I got home, I couldn't believe my eyes at all the work that had been done in just a few hours. My heart swelled. Friends and relatives from near and far reached out with words of comfort, support and muscle-power! I will never forget the numerous acts of kindness and generosity.
I have several other miraculous stories of God's Grace during this time; some fascinating, some very personal, but all truly a reminder that God is with us always, and that in the worst of times, the best in people manage to shine through. My experience mirrors the amazing stories that were shared with me as a child when tsunamis wiped out the valley, and I will continue to pass them down to future generations, adding my own experiences of hurricanes and floods... and the Grace of God.
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MAUI PARISH NEWS
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MAUI REGIONAL CONFIRMATION
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(Photos from Good Shepherd and Trinity Facebook pages)
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The Maui Regional Confirmation took place on Saturday, April 14, 2018, at Trinity By-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Kihei.
From Good Shepherd (pictured above left), five were confirmed: Kathleen Taroma, Angela Cainguitan, Isaiah Adriano Ikaika Lampitoc, Shandi Agpoon and Natasha Ann Makanalani Lau.
From Trinity By-the-Sea (pictured above right), three were Confirmed: Ryder Russ Zipf, Maverick Scott Zipf and Austin Paul Hopper; and two were Reaffirmed: Hanna Grace Hopper and Anne Ketcham Kasin. Pictured below with the Holy Innocents 'ohana, Ann Marie Powell was received (in front with lei).
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(Photo from the Holy Innocent's Facebook page)
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Contemplative Outreach United in Prayer Day
On March 17, 2018, nine women gathered at Trinity By-the-Sea Episcopal in Kihei for the Contemplative Outreach United in Prayer Day. The group consisted of people from the Kihei and Lahaina Centering Prayer Group, and also former members of St. Anthony's. In the quiet sacred space of Trinity, they listened, shared and prayed together while pondering Thomas Keating's
God is Love
series. They also went out alone with God to listen and learn, and ended their day with a shared lunch. Pictured above from left are Sandy Masters, Paula Baldwin, Cherie Lee, Lani Scott, Susan Aloway, Jodene Hawkins, Diane Delos Reyes and Erin Dunnill.
(Photo byAnne Kasin)
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THE BIG ISLAND OF HAWAI'I PARISH NEWS
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BIG ISLAND REGIONAL CONFIRMATION
The Big Island Regional Confirmation took place on Saturday, April 28, 2018, at Holy Apostles Episcopal Church in Hilo.
From Holy Apostles, four were confirmed: William Nudo,Catherine Chow, Olivia Boucher, and Claudia Wilcox-Boucher; three were received: Lindbergh Marzo, Kathy Cooksey and Frances Scarpinato; two were reaffirmed: Cheryl Marzo and Jayson Jose.
Pictured below right, rom St. James' Parishes, Laura Williams was confirmed.
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Reaching Out to Victims of the Kilauea Eruption
Powerful volcanic eruption!!! Lava destroys hundreds of homes! Toxic gases released! Hundreds of earthquakes recorded!
The headlines, devastating images and descriptions of the Kilauea eruption are enough to make anyone cancel their trip to Hawai'i. But the drop in tourist numbers is the least of Big Island worries. There is no end in sight to the lava flow that has entombed over 600 homes thus far and destroyed numerous sites that many held dear to their hearts. The number of displaced people grow each day as neighborhoods are devoured, and the need for help and supplies seems endless.
With images of Kilauea's volcanic destruction bombarding the air waves and social media for weeks, we share pictures of hope, including (above left) the folks from Holy Apostles in Hilo with Rev. Katlin McCallister (second row center), serving up breakfast at one of the emergency shelters. Pictured above right are some of the many letters of support and donations they are receiving from near and far.
Holy Apostles is the closest Episcopal Church to the eruption and whose own members have been deeply affected, including one family who lost their home and farm. Members have been working tirelessly to aid in the relief effort, (
diocesan E-News) and Rev. McCallister was featured in an article by the Episcopal News Service that can be viewed
HERE.
Churches throughout the Diocese have been taking up collections to help victims, but Big Island congregations have stepped up big time, actively assisting Holy Apostles in their efforts. St. James', St. Columba's and St. Jude's recently delivered over 1,000 pounds of clothing and supplies along with thousands of dollars in donations received. Pictured above from left, Holy Apostles' member Barbara serves in the Red Cross Emergency Shelter; supplies donated from Big Island churches; St. Jude's parishioners Kepi and Steven delivered 30 new sleeping bags, clothes, food and supplies; and at far right, Tim from Holy Apostles delivers sleeping bags to agencies. All donations
were dispersed to the Red Cross, Salvation Army and The Food Basket.
Katie Mears, Senior Director for the U.S. Disaster Program of Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) has been in touch with diocesan leaders in response to the disaster, and is working closely with Rev. McCallister. Since the eruption, air quality on the Big Island has been impacted by deadly emissions and ERD is providing air purifiers to the Ka'u, Kea'au and Pahoa complex schools. They are also helping with laundry service for victims displaced by the eruption. To read a June 13 article on the ERD website and to make a donation, click HERE.
Continue to keep the people of Puna and all affected in your prayers as they face the daunting challenge of coping and rebuilding their lives. For ways that you can help, refer to a previous e-news article
HERE.
(Photos from the Holy Apostles' Facebook page and their weekly e-news.)
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THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH & BEYOND
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Religious Leaders Condemn Trump Administration Quoting Bible to Justify Taking Children at Border
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and Jesuit priest Fr. James Martin appeared on an MSNBC interview with Lawrence O'Donnell to respond to President Donald Trump's team using the Bible to justify family separation at the border. Both were deeply opposed to the actions being taken by officials and the use of the Bible to justify those actions, calling them "immoral" and "a sin." The Presiding Bishop focused on the compassion that Jesus set as an example for all Christians, and referred to Scripture that speaks to love and the "golden rule" -- treating others as you would want to be treated. In his signature closing with "the last word" O'Donnell asked Presiding Bishop Curry what he would say if he had ten seconds with the President, and Curry responded, "I would say, my brother, my brother, do good, do what is just, do what is kind, and you'll be following Jesus." To view the video interview in its entirety, click
HERE.
Episcopalians, Word Religious Leaders Confront Climate Disruption
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| His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew releasing a kestrel. (Photo: Robert A. Jonas) |
[Episcopal News Service]
Earlier this month, leaders of the Eastern church and the Western church, representing billions of people worldwide, spoke with one voice about the moral urgency of confronting the climate crisis.
"A civilization is defined and judged by our respect for the dignity of humanity and the integrity of nature," declared the head of the Orthodox Church, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, in his keynote address for an international symposium held June 5-8 in Greece. "Toward a Green Attica: Preserving the Planet and Protecting Its People" was the ninth international, inter-disciplinary, and inter-religious symposium that the patriarch has convened since 1991 to highlight the spiritual basis of ecological care and to strengthen collaboration across disciplines in the quest to build a just and habitable world.
Two hundred leaders in a variety of fields - science, economics, theology, public policy, journalism, business, human rights and social justice activism - attended the symposium, which gathered initially in Athens and then moved to the islands of Spetses and Hydra. Participants studied the latest findings of climate science, explored strategic actions toward sustainability and resilience, and renewed their commitment to push for the economic and societal changes that must take place if we are to avert social and ecological chaos and widespread suffering.
READ MORE
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Presiding Bishop's Royal Wedding Sermon on Love Draws Global Praise, Boosts Episcopal Evangelism
[Episcopal News Service] It's never polite to upstage the newlyweds, but when the royal couple invited Presiding Bishop Michael Curry
to deliver the sermon at their wedding on May 19, they surely knew that the leader of the Episcopal Church was bound to generate headlines of his own.
"There are some things you come to expect from royal weddings," the Post said. "One thing you don't expect: That sermon."
The Post called Curry's 14-minute sermon a "barnstorming address." Canada's CBC called it
the "highlight" of the royal wedding. Vox said
Curry "stole the show," adding that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were "all but upstaged" by Curry's "fiery sermon." And the U.K. Guardian commentary asserted that Curry's "royal wedding sermon
will go down in history as a moment when the enduring seat of colonialism was brought before the Lord, and questioned in its own house."
The New York Times described it as a
"searing, soaring" sermon about the power of love. "With its repetition and emphasis, his sermon drew upon the devices of black ecclesiastical tradition," the Times wrote, calling it a "striking contrast" to the bishop of London's sermon at the 2011 royal wedding.
The sermon itself never strayed far from the theme of love, even as Curry incorporated references to both the Old Testament and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., as well as black spirituals. The message appeared to resonate with the royal couple, with Prince Harry at one point wiping tears from his cheeks while his bride's smile widened.
The media attention on Curry's sermon had been intense since the moment on May 12 that he was announced as preacher.
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Reclaiming Jesus: Presiding Bishop Co-Leads Service, Candlelight Public Witness to the White House
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(Photo: Jonathan Ernst, Reuters)
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[Episcopal News Service - Washington, DC]
Love your neighbor, the neighbor you like and the neighbor you don't like, your black neighbor, your white neighbor, your Latino neighbor, your Muslim neighbor, your Christian neighbor, your Democrat neighbor, your Republican neighbor. That was the message Presiding Bishop Michael Curry took to a standing-room-only crowd that overflowed onto the steps at National City Christian Church and into the Lutheran church across the street here on May 24.
"We are not a partisan group, we are not a left-wing group, we are not a right-wing group, we are a Jesus Movement," Curry said to rousing, sustained applause from those gathered to reclaim Jesus. "And we came together, Protestant, Catholic, evangelical, we came together, Republicans, Independents and Democrats, we came together, liberal and conservative, and whatever is in the middle, we came together because what binds us together is Jesus of Nazareth and his way."
Curry added, "This is not a protest march, this is a procession of Christian people. This is what they did on Pentecost. This is a Pentecostal moment and we are committed to following the way of Jesus."
During the 90-minute church service that preceded a candlelight procession to the White House, one by one speakers addressed issues ranging from the rise of white nationalism to mistreatment of and violence against women, to LGBTQ inclusion to immigration reform, the spreading of falsehoods and the normalization of lying and moves toward autocratic leadership.
READ MORE
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Beacons of Hope...
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Episcopalians Again Help Flood-Ravaged Maryland Town Recover
Episcopalians in Ellicott City, Maryland, were cleaning up their homes and businesses on May 29, while helping their neighbors do the same and offering them shelter after torrential rain two days before sent a destructive flash flood through the town's downtown. "The sun rose on a terrible scene in Old Ellicott City and our surrounding community," the Rev. Anjel Scarborough, rector of St. Peter's Episcopal Church, wrote to the parish on Trinity Sunday, the morning after the storm. READ MORE
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 Charlottesville Congregation's Food Education Ministry Grows Into Its Social Justice Mission
Bread & Roses' work starts in the church's garden. Volunteers till the soil. They weed and water the raised beds. They harvest the produce when it's ready, their work sessions filled with fellowship and concluding in prayer. That fresh produce becomes a learning tool in cooking classes that teach lessons in nutrition and healthy cooking techniques.
READ MORE
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Growing Dental Care Ministry Has Roots in Tennessee Cathedral's Outreach to Struggling Women
[Episcopal News Service]
Sometimes outreach can take on a life of its own. That's the case at
St. John's Episcopal Cathedral
in Knoxville, Tennessee, where the congregation's decade of support for the local YWCA sprouted a dental care ministry that has grown into a nonprofit organization with a model that leaders hope can be replicated around the country.
READ MORE
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Congregations' Pet Ministries Offer Support to Pet Owners and Their Four-legged Companions
[Episcopal News Service]
The Lord God made them all, the creatures of the world great and small, and God's smaller creatures are getting a helping hand from the numerous Episcopal congregations around the country with pet outreach in their lineup of parish ministries. In Roswell, New Mexico, there's the Four Paws Pet Pantry, a ministry of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. READ MORE
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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
The Chronicle does not assume responsibility for the return of photographs or manuscripts.
The deadline for submissions in the next August issue is July 23, 2018.
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