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He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Bishop Fitzpatrick selected Scripture from Matthew 3:11, which inspired the logo and fiery theme of this year's event. The logo was discussed and created well before the May eruption of the Kilauea Volcano, which made the selection of the Pu'u O'o cone that appears in the center, quite divinely guided.
The Big Island's color (red) and flower ('Ohia Lehua) were incorporated into the logo along with a rope border, influenced by the paniolo (Hawaiian Cowboy). The final element, the palaka print, serves as a reminder of how Hawai'i became a melting pot of many cultures. The history of palaka itself is varied, but it originally referred to the baggy style of clothing worn by field workers.. The simple checkered print of the material was cheaper to make back then. In celebration of this 50th meeting and year-long observance, red palaka shirts embellished with the Episcopal shield on the pocket were special-ordered for all in the Diocese to purchase. The shirt made its debut at this event and its use will be encouraged throughout the year at various diocesan events, and especially during the Presiding Bishop's visit in March 2019. |
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Participants gathered early to register and fellowship before the start of the day's agenda. Some were wearing the special red palaka shirts, while others planned to save theirs for the meeting on Saturday.
The Rev. Cn. Alexander "Sandy" Graham brought the gathering to order. Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick opened with a prayer and welcomed everyone, but before the presentations, the Revs. Mark Haworth and Annalise Castro of the Communications Design Team, led a group of volunteer "tech" helpers to get everyone "connected" and online with the Poll Everywhere app on their smartphones, tablets and laptops. In preparation for Education Day, registrants were asked to complete a Communication survey beforehand, and were advised that portions of the presentation would be interactive with live polling. Donned with red and yellow caps, the tech volunteers went around the room to assist anyone that needed help getting connected. A successful "test" question through Poll Everywhere was asked and responded to, and Education Day was ready to go! |
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SPIRITUAL GROWTH (FORMATION) PRESENTATION
The Spiritual Growth Design Team presented first with opening remarks by the Rev. Katlin McAllister. Not all of the team members were on hand for the presentation, but the full team consisted of: Dana Anderson, The Rev. Lani Bowman, Sylvia DeGooyer, Frank Kramer, Louisa LeRoux, The Rev. Katlin McAllister, The Rev. Sara Shisler Goff, Carol Taylor and Stanley Yon. Guided by the 2017 Strategic Plan's Vision ("The people of the Diocese of Hawai'i are spiritually nourished and engaged") they established their mission: "To foster the ongoing spiritual growth within congregations and in the Diocese of Hawai'i in a manner that reflects our Christian heritage and Baptismal Covenant." Along with their Vision and Mission, five objectives were gleaned and created from the Strategic Plan that contained powerful words such as vibrant, encourage, acknowledge, engage, support, and of course, love. Being such a broad category, the team had to hone in on the most important aspects of the Strategic Plan that began with defining Spiritual Growth. They formed a Prototyping Process that involved six phases, and put that into action. |
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Pastor Katlin closed the presentation with a powerful message and shared a picture she imagines as the Holy Spirit. "To grow spiritually, one must be willing to be changed," she said. "The Holy Spirit is uncontainable and ablaze to spread light, a light that transforms. We all have a spark within us of this ultimate Light and it is our task to be willing to be changed by it, that the world would be lit up as the kingdom of God."
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'OHANA DESIGN TEAM PRESENTATION
The 'Ohana Design Team was the largest of the the three groups. Sean Lau opened their presentation with a slide displaying the names of all their members. They are: The Rev. Keleawe Hee, Ron Morinishi, Carolyn Morinishi, Beth Charlton, The Rev. Diane Martinson, The Rev. Mahi Beimes, Melanie Langi, Eileen Hartwings, Evette Tampos, The Rev. JaR Pasalo, Kalani Holokai, Shari Lynn, Sarah Shim, The Rev. Richard Tardiff, Phyllis Miller The team was tasked with addressing several of the objectives in the 2017 Strategic Plan's Vision that included fostering a greater sense of 'ohana within our congregations, between our congregations, and in the Diocese as a whole, but especially among clergy and lay leaders. They provided a listing of activities and program suggestions for strengthening 'Ohana in three categories: 1. Amongst Clergy and Lay Leaders, 2. Between [Congregations] in Your Region, and 3. Within Your Congregation. That handout can be downloaded HERE. |
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COMMUNICATIONS DESIGN TEAM PRESENTATION
After lunch, the Communications Design Team gave their presentation which opened with some "fun" questions and prizes, utilizing Poll Everywhere. Their team consisted of: The Rev. Annalise Castro Pasalo, The Rev. Mark Haworth, The Rev. Heather Hill, Lindy Marzo, Sybil Nishioka, Ruth Smith, The Rev. Craig Vance, Willis Moore The Revs. Mark Haworth and Annalise Castro Pasalo presented the work done by the group that was broken down into four basic categories: What, Who, Why and How, with the main focus on "What are we communicating." Pastor Annalise shared her experience at General Convention and sharing the message from the Presiding Bishop on "The Way of Love." It was important for churches to embrace it and obtain the tools and resources to do so, all of which are available on The Episcopal Church website. Identifying the Who and Why we are communicating, comes from our baptismal covenant, and our responsibility to spread the Good News and evangelize. |
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Following Education Day, the Convention Eucharist took place in the meeting room, where members from each of the Big Island churches took part in the service as acolyte, lector, ushers, oblation bearers and Eucharistic Ministers.
The choir from St. Augustine's shared their beautiful voices under the direction of Mila Polevia, their Music Director. They were joined by Dcn. Mark Haworth (O'ahu) who shared his musical talents. From St. Jude's, Hannah's Makana 'Ohana Halau was dressed in white mu'u and danced from their hearts in praise. The Bishop incorporated prayer groups in his sermon, creating a powerful yet intimate setting for prayerful intention. The Rev. Cn. Randolph Albanao of St. Paul's served as officiant, assisted by Archdeacon Steve Costa. The Diocese's newest deacons also took part with Jasmine Bostock and Preston Lentz administering the Bread, and Christopher Bridges, Ha'aheo Guanson, and Mark Haworth administering Asperges. |
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Aloha ReceptionImmediately following the Convention Eucharist, folks headed over to the hotel's luau venue situated on the shoreline of Kailua Bay in a picture perfect setting.
The fun candy centerpieces that volunteers put together earlier in the day adorned each table, and a buffet of traditional luau fare was served up. Folks ate to their heart's content, and fellowshipped as the sun set into the horizon. Some chose to continue socializing poolside or in neighboring restaurants, and others headed to their rooms to prepare for a full day ahead. |
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Once the delegates were seated and the meeting commenced, volunteers went to work setting up the necrology display. Each year, all those in the Diocese who have passed are acknowledged. The displays are lovingly put together and use the creative talents of those in the Office of the Bishop who come up with a different theme each year.
This year's display was an extension of last year’s slippers that eventually went to churches who dispensed them to those in need. This year, the display utilized red and yellow baseball caps. Why hats? Rae Costa, the Diocese's Business Manager and coordinator for the Annual Meeting said, "They are easier to ship than slippers." She said the colors were inspired by this year’s colors of fire. After the meeting, the baseball caps were distributed to nine churches for their outreach ministries, and A Cup of Cold Water ministry on Maui. |
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After the mid-morning break, the Bishop delivered his address to the Convention.
He spoke of transformation both personally and in helping others to transform their lives, and to let go of the anxiety that many have about the future of the church. "The Church belongs to God." He referenced his Report to the Convention that talked about the work being done by design teams and commissions to support the churches in the Diocese and to help share our stories of faith. "The key is that we – you and me – the leaders (lay and ordained) have to be passionate about our faith in Jesus Christ, and believe profoundly that our own congregation is a place of faith, welcome, joy, and renewal." He also spoke about the importance of focusing on the spiritual development of every person. He shared the desire for retreats and weekend renewals, but also the need to go "back to the basics of transformed lives as Disciples of Jesus Christ: Prayer, Bible, Fellowship." |
(The Bishop's Address in its entirety can be found in the Convention Journal link below.)
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"We must be about transformed lives, the healing of the sick, the freeing of prisoners, the feeding of the hungry, and above all the sharing of the love of Jesus Christ one person at a time. " -- Bishop Robert L. Fitzpatrick
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Following the Bishop's Address, the Treasurer's Report was adopted. Consideration of the Resolutions commenced beginning with Resolution #1, the 2019 Minimum Clergy Compensation and Benefits Policy. After several amendments, the resolution was adopted. Diocesan Council member Dixie Kaetsu presented the 2019-2021 Budget. After some discussion, the Budget was adopted, and the convention went into recess for lunch.
After lunch, the the meeting focused on the final three resolutions which dealt with some of the most pressing issues of our time: Failure on DACA will Stain the U.S., Creation Care (both of which passed with slight amendments), and Taking a Stand on Abuse in All its Forms that was referred back to Standing Committee for further consideration. Special Orders of Business included a report by Dr. Ruth Fletcher, Head of The St. Andrew's Schools, and Darrell Whitaker, the Executive Director of Camp Mokule'ia. They shared presentations of their respective facilities and the many programs taking place. The meeting was closed in prayer led by the Rev. Katlin McAllister, and adjourned at 3:30 PM. |
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Organizing Education Day and the Annual Meeting is no small feat, but having it take place on a neighbor island presents more challenges than usual.
Rae Costa, the Diocese's Business Manager and event organizer, has a number of successful large events already under her belt, but planning one "overseas" was a new one for her. Not only are there logistical considerations, but everything had to be prepared earlier than usual. Volunteers on O'ahu sorted, packed, and sealed up dozens of boxes for transporting, that took creative coordination. Rae enlisted a number of people attending the meeting, to take boxes as their "luggage" to save on shipping costs. Once on island, her husband, Archdeacon Steve Costa, served as a shuttle driver to get boxes and people to the hotel, while running errands in between. Big Island churches played a huge role in the event, providing a place to store supplies and rallying lots of enthusiastic volunteers who put together table decorations, checked in registrants, and took care of whatever popped up at the last minute. Big Island clergy also made sure that worship elements were in place for the Convention Eucharist, including a hula troop! Mahalo to the entire Office of the Bishop and the army of volunteers for their role in making this a most memorable event! |
"An event of this size cannot happen without volunteers. This year we were blessed with really wonderful volunteers. Not only were they helpful, they were full of smiles and joy! They are the ones you thank for the beautiful and creative centerpieces. They are the ones you thank for the powerful necrology display. They are the ones you thank for checking you in and getting you to the restaurant and luau grounds. They are the ones you thank for counting the ballots. They are the ones we thank for allowing us to store supplies at their church, borrowing their items for the Eucharist, for getting the lei, for helping with and serving at the Eucharist, and the many other small details that go into putting on a event such as this. They embody the spirit of ‘Ohana! Big Island, you Rock!" -- Rae Costa |
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Click above to go to the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i's main website.
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