[January 8, 2021] Presiding Bishop Curry has issued a "Word to the Church" in the face of these unsettling times. To view the video message, click on his image or HERE where you will also find a transcript of the message.

Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick addresses the unrest and rioting that took place at our nation's Capitol and around the country, with a reflection on Isaiah 26:1-7, and a passage from a book by William Stringfellow, An Ethic for Christians and Other Aliens in a Strange Land (Word Books, 1973). Stringfellow (1928-1985) was an Episcopal lay theologian, lawyer, and social activist. Click on the image to view the message.

On Sunday, January 3, 2021, Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick instituted the Rev. Naim Stifan Ateek as an Honorary Canon of The Cathedral of St. Andrew. This special event was originally to have taken place in March in conjunction with public talks and gatherings with the honored guest, but was postponed due to the COVID-19 lock down. READ MORE

Like Easter, celebrating important days during a pandemic has been a challenge for our churches. Thankfully, we've all become a bit more creative and educated on how we worship, communicate, and fellowship. Below, we share videos of Christmas services around the Diocese. READ MORE

In Bishop Fitzpatrick's Pastoral Letter above, he asks "that every

Episcopalian in the Diocese of Hawaiʻi join in a collective time of silent prayer next Wednesday, January 13, and on Inauguration Day (Wednesday, January 20) at noon for three minutes. Just pause at that time and pray for the United States, Hawaiʻi and all those in civil authority. If your church has a bell, ring a simple Angelus” (the triple stroke of the bell repeated three times with a pause between the first and second triple stroke – time enough to say the Lord’s Prayer and a Hail Mary) on those Wednesdays."

Coffee Hours with the Diocesan Support Center kicked off in early December (Chronicle, December 9, 2020), and has helped church administrators and wardens address questions and concerns they may have at their churches. With annual meetings about to take place around the Diocese and reports and forms to complete, lay leaders might find these sessions especially helpful. The next session will take place on Wednesday, January 13, 2021. Meetings are also being recorded and will be posted on the Diocesan website (password required) for reference. If you'd like to attend these online Zoom Coffee Hours, contact Rae Costa.

With their fall Family Stay-Cay weekends a big success, Camp Mokule'ia will be offering more Stay-Cay weekends this Spring:

Package pricing includes a fabulous line-up of activities and meals in all areas that include the Lodge, cabins, tentalos and campsite. For more information and to make your reservation, visit the Camp website HERE.

SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION OPENS ON JANUARY 18! Visit the Camp website HERE for more information on their summer camp program.

In this month's ECF Vestry Papers, the following articles may be especially helpful to congregations this month:

Interested in joining a knitting/crocheting group in 2021? Halau Wa’a Episcopal is starting a prayer shawl ministry. Email us back if you are interested in joining us on-line on Saturday, January 16, at 9:00 AM. You can work on your own and/or join us once a month, every third Saturday morning. If you are a beginner and need help finding a pattern and supplies, have we got a kit for you! You can participate in many, many ways. For more info, contact Jill Haworth or Fr. Mark Haworth HERE.

Despite the limitations that COVID-19 has had on our communities, The Cathedral of St. Andrew's annual meat distribution to the families of Kalihi Waena School was bigger and better than ever, thanks to the generosity and hard work of so many. To read the full story, visit The Cathedral's website HERE.

St. Elizabeth's youth leader, Melanie Langi, along with her family and the Langford family, distributed hundreds of gifts to children in homeless shelters, federal housing projects, and elsewhere in need, bringing a little bit of joy to children who otherwise may have had nothing. (From the St. Elizabeth e-newsletter)

While supplies lasted, Emmanuel invited all to drive up as they shared gift cards, toys, and food from the Kailua Chamber of Commerce Holiday Sharing Drive-By donations and delicious donated ham dinners from Cinnamon's Restaurant with anyone in need!

The parish congregations of St. James' that includes St. James' and St. Columba's, ended 2020 with an incredible numbers of meals served up in their communities.

St. James' Community Meals in Waimea generated a whopping 26,515 meals, while St. Columba's in Pa'auilo, active for only 35 weeks, churned out over 13,000 meals!

We give thanks and praise to all of the dedicated volunteers and community leaders who make it possible to serve and share with so many.

On Wednesday, December 23, St. Augustine's Episcopal Church held a Movie Day for the youth at the Waikoloa Luxury Cinemas. The youth enjoyed watching Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey! Thank you to St. Augustine's for the refreshments, Peter & Susan Denman for renting out the movie theater and Kathy Matsuda for coordinating the event with parents and guardians.

[January 6, 2021] On this day of the Feast of the Epiphany, Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Michael Curry invites Episcopalians and people of faith to turn and pray on behalf of our nation. Watch the video of the Presiding Bishop’s statement along with the transcript HERE.

[01/07/21] President Donald Trump spent his four years in office targeting both legal and illegal immigration on multiple fronts. Critics condemned his administration’s hardline policies as cruel and xenophobic, while Episcopal leaders joined ecumenical partners in arguing the country was failing to live up to Christian and American values. READ MORE

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry strongly denounced the riotous assault on the United States Capitol on Jan. 6 by supporters of President Donald Trump, referring to it as an “attempted coup.” READ MORE

CAMP MOKULE'IA 2021 SUMMER CAMP PROGRAM - Camp Mokuleʻia has set their summer camp program dates for 2021. Registration opens up on January 18. Click HERE to learn more about the summer camps dates!

SCHOLARSHIPS - Camp Mokuleʻia is once again offering scholarship funds in 2021. All congregations are eligible to receive up to $1,000 to help their children and youth attend camp.

SUMMER STAFF - The Campʻs goal next summer is to hire the majority of summer staff locally. If you have college students in your congregation that you think would make good counselors, please provide them with the following link HERE.

For more information about Camp Mokuleʻia and their programs, visit their website HERE.

YOUTH WEEKLY COMPLINE SERVICE: Fr. Jar Pasalo, the Diocese's Youth and Young Adult Missioner, has launched a weekly LIVE Compline on the Episcopal Youth of Hawaii Facebook Group page. All are invited to join in every Thursday at 8:00 PM. All sessions are available for viewing on the page if you miss it. If you are interested in assisting/leading Compline, contact Fr. Jar HERE.

PALAKA FACE MASKS FOR SALE: Don't forget to order your palaka face mask from the Good Shepherd Women in Ministry for only $5 each plus postage. All sales benefit their outreach ministries. Place your order via contact form HERE, and mail your check to 2140 Main St., Wailuku, HI 96793.