FALLING IN LOVE AT RENEWAL 2019

Story and photos by Sybil Nishioka, Editor

[April 3, 2019] For many who attended March's Renewal 2019, a special weekend event put on by the Diocese of Hawai'i in conjunction with Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry's Visitation, there was a lot to like, and maybe even more to love. ​

Maybe it was the life-size cut-out of the Presiding Bishop greeting you at the entrance that elicited a chuckle, or the smiling faces of the volunteers that welcomed you at the check-in tables.  For the sweet tooth, candy centerpieces were handy snacks, and if you made it to the retail room, you could have left with a brightly colored pair of slippers, a treasured icon from the late Rev. Malcolm Chun's collection, a Renewal 2019 t-shirt, or something "palaka."  If you were really lucky and went early, you could have even snagged one of the Presiding Bishop's books that sold out before lunch on the first day!  

Maybe it was one of the guest speakers that hit a chord in your heart.  The theme of Renewal 2019 was Reconciliation, Renewal, Rebirth, and the speakers were carefully selected for their involvement and expertise in various related topics that proved to be highly controversial and even downright depressing, but also eye-opening, informative, inspirational, healing, and uplifting.  (To learn more about the speakers at Renewal 2019, click HERE.)

But without a doubt, our Presiding Bishop was the shining star of the weekend.  From the moment he stepped foot into the Neal S. Blaisdell Center, there was no denying that the love of Jesus emanated everywhere he went... and we were ready to fall in love. 

The last official visitation from a Presiding Bishop was in 2012, during the Sesquicentennial Celebration held in conjunction with that year's Annual Meeting.  At the time, our Presiding Bishop was the Most Reverend Katharine Jefferts Schori, who graced us with her presence during the final island celebration at the Cathedral of St. Andrew on O'ahu.  It's been nearly seven years since the people of the Diocese of Hawai'i got to be with their Presiding Bishop, and by all accounts, it was worth the wait!

​Although some in the Diocese have seen and met Presiding Bishop Curry previously at various functions and conferences, technology has enabled many more to view his video messages and to witness his entry into the celebrity world (thanks in part to the Royal wedding).  He's popular on social media and has several published books, so it feels like we have come to know him in the comfort of our homes or mobile devices.  But there is nothing quite like seeing our Presiding Bishop's passion and "glow" in person.

I use the term "glow" because each and every time I have seen him in person (this was my fourth event), he had a special glow-- an effervescence--that seemed to radiate from his eyes-- from his smile-- from every pore!  I like to think it comes from the deep understanding of the love of God and our Lord Jesus Christ, and being able to live it and share it with every breath... there's something very reassuring and comforting about that.  

​The first time I saw our Presiding Bishop speak was in 2014.  At the time, he was the Bishop of the Diocese of North Carolina, and was one of the plenary speakers at the the Episcopal Youth Event (EYE) in Philadelphia.  I had accompanied the Hawai'i youth delegation and got to witness his explosive energy, hilarity, and the ability to get a crowd enthused and on its feet---teenagers no less!  I lost track of the number of standing ovations he received and his chant of "GO! GO! GO!" (pertaining to mission) echoed with the youth long after.  When he was elected and installed as the 27th Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church the following year, I couldn't wait to share the news with the youth group! 

Then in 2016, I attended the Episcopal Communicators Conference (ECC) in Portland, OR, where he was the keynote speaker and stayed with our group for the weekend.  It was during this time that I took notice of that "glow"... there were no stage lights on him now... he sat amongst our small groups and that infectious smile rarely left his face. That glow never disappeared, no matter if he was front and center or chatting over a meal.  Even when he was receiving and serving the host during the final Sunday service, he looked you right in the eye with a smile that pierced your heart and left the love of God in its place.  I will never forget that.

​I got to see our Presiding Bishop once again during EYE2017 in Oklahoma, where he continued to make an indelible impression on our youth, and as you can tell, I've become a huge fan.  So as we prepared for this event, I couldn't wait for the opportunity to document his visit and to share with those who couldn't make it. Below you will get to learn about each days' activities through videos, photos and comments from attendees, but I share a final note.  For me, the years as Presiding Bishop have not appeared to have changed him at all.  He remains genuine, gregarious, funny, warm, compassionate, patient and most of all, humble.  Like a good shepherd, he cares for his flock, is truly a man of God who walks the talk, and can show the world how to fall in love with Jesus!

FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2019:  RECONCILIATION
Education Day with Guest Speakers & Workshops
​Book Signing & Welcome Dinner with the Presiding Bishop

The first day of Renewal 2019 kicked off on Friday, March 22, with an Education Day focused on Reconciliation. 

Folks began arriving bright and early, and as they stepped through the doors of the Neal S. Blaisdell Center, they were greeted by a life-size cut-out of the Presiding Bishop.  Many were quick to take photos with "him" and laugh at the novelty of it all.  Smiling faces awaited at the check-in tables, and a "healthy breakfast" of fresh fruit, muffins, juices and hot beverages were available.

While folks were still arriving, Morning Prayer was led by the Rev. Dcn. Preston Lentz (who has since been ordained to the Presbyterate) in the main ballroom. 

Following morning prayer, plenary speaker Kahu Kalani Souza took to the stage.  In his distinct gravelly voice, Souza led the audience on a deeply personal path; one that is frequently strewn with conflict and challenge; that of the Kanaka Maoli (native Hawaiians), and the enduring struggles they face to maintain their identity, culture, and battle for sovereignty.  

It is no secret to anyone who has lived in Hawai'i and has knowledge of its history, that there is a deep wound that exists stemming from the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy.  The topic can be explosive and a hotbed of controversy even among Hawaiian leaders.

Souza's experience and knowledge served as an excellent fit for the topic of reconciliation.  He has served as a cross-cultural facilitator with experience in promoting social justice through conflict resolution, participated in the Department of Interior's Native Network, a consortium of conflict resolution specialists with the Morris Udall Peace Center. 

"I learned a lot from Kalani Souza and his insights continue to come to mind."

As he spoke passionately about sensitive topics such as the overthrow, and current issues in the spotlight like Mauna Kea, you could feel emotions brewing in the audience.  For some, his words were personal and relatable, and for others, uncomfortable and even provocative, laying the groundwork for exploring reconciliation. 

​Whether you agreed or disagreed with Souza, the words to his closing poem, set to the tender strumming of a guitar, served as a welcome reminder that despite our differences, we are all one with God, and that we all seek the same peace and love that our Lord preached.  Some were moved to tears, and some were left to ponder the conflict of emotions they were feeling, but Souza's presentation most assuredly affected everyone in some way.  (A short video clip of his poem can be found under Video Snippets near the bottom of the page.)

​Participants were then invited to attend a workshop in morning and afternoon breakout sessions, choosing from a variety of topics including:  RenewalWorks with the Rev. Jay Sidebotham; Ho'oponopono (Healing) with Dr. Manulani Aluli Meyer; It Ain't Easy Being Native: Indigenous People, Christianity and the Episcopal Church with the Rev. Dr. Bradley S. Hauff; Diversity, Inclusion and Reconciliation with Jim Penny, Managing Conflict with Kahu Kalani Souza, Understanding the Psycho-Social Dynamics of Communication with Ricky Melchor.  To learn more about each of the guest speakers and their workshops, click HERE.

"I really enjoyed the workshops and appreciated the effort to challenge and make us a bit uncomfortable..."

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Wrap up of the afternoon breakout session marked the end of Education Day, and after a short break, folks awaited the arrival of Presiding Bishop Michael Curry.  A long line of people formed from the room where he would be available for autographs and photos.  When he finally arrived, he was greeted warmly with cheers and applause.

Despite the efforts of organizers to keep everything moving and on time by telling people to "get your autograph and go," the Presiding Bishop took the time to chat and ask for each person's name.  He prayed with those who asked, checked out photos on cellphones that people shared, and of course selfies were a must!

Although his books sold out before lunch, it didn't stop enthusiastic fans from improvising. The Presiding Bishop was signing all sorts of items including their orange conference bags, programs, and even the shirt they were wearing!

It was a lovely and very personal way for people to meet the Presiding Bishop one on one, and to get a glimpse into a very special man.

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Meanwhile, the ballroom was filling up for dinner and waiting for the official welcome by Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick.  As soon as Bishop Curry finished signing his last autograph, he was quickly shepherded into the ballroom.  Unbeknownst to our Presiding Bishop, each person was equipped with a special welcome "sign" that they couldn't wait to reveal.  

As Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick welcomed the Presiding Bishop, on cue, everyone in the room held up a Michael Curry "face-on-a-stick."  It took him a second to realize that he was surrounded by a sea of Michael Currys!  (See video clip below.)  It was a hilarious and joyful moment, and a memorable welcome for our Presiding Bishop. ​

​Dinner was traditional luau buffet (sans poi) and a stir fry station with vegetarian options.  Music was provided by Mila Polevia and the Rev. Mark Haworth, who delivered a great selection of tunes from different genres that even got a few people dancing!

SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 2019:  REVIVE & RENEW
The Most Rev. Michael Bruce Curry, Keynote Address
RenewalWorks with Jay Sidebotham
​Panel Discussion

There was a buzz in the air as people arrived at the Blaisdell Center on day two of Renewal 2019.  The anticipation was palpable as the ballroom filled up waiting for the special guest to arrive. 

After Morning Prayer, led by the Rev. Dcn. Lani Bowman, Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick introduced the keynote speaker, the Most Rev. Michael Bruce Curry, the 27th Presiding Bishop and Primate of The Episcopal Church.  With boundless energy and his trademark smile, he trotted up on stage sporting the Diocese's red palaka shirt.  The shirt, which made its debut at the 50th Annual Meeting of Convention last October, was being worn by many in attendance, and he fit right in.  He was presented with a beautiful maile lei, then wasted no time breaking the ice and grabbing everyone's attention.  

It couldn't have been more than ten seconds after taking the mike before he had the crowd laughing.  What followed was over 50 minutes of remarkable engagement filled with Scripture, laughter, truth, pain, controversy, laughter, enlightenment, lots of praise and love for the Lord, and did we mention laughter? 

The time zipped by all too quickly as he touched upon a vast array of topics.  Beginning with the deeply tragic and controversial Charlottesville incident and the growing number of hate crimes, Curry set the tone for reconciliation with some of our nation's most divisive and painful issues. Through Scripture, through life lessons, and as a faithful man of God, the Presiding Bishop passionately preached his wisdom and the power of God's love to heal.  He spoke of the creation of love ("I can prove it..."), humored us with talk of primates and everything in between, and closed with the moving story of Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play in Major League Baseball (MLB), and Branch Rickey, President of the Brooklyn Dodgers, who signed him. 

​Through thunderous applause and a standing ovation, the Presiding Bishop exited the stage, leaving folks yearning for more.

We share his speech in the video below, and apologize for the poor quality as we were not set up for formal taping. You may prefer to just listen to the audio.

"Love creates the aperture, the opening, to heal old hurts, heal old wounds, and create from a painful past, a new possibility for the future.  You can't change the past, but you can redeem it." -- Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry, Renewal 2019

​"Bishop Curry's words enabled me to forgive my deceased mother  who had been abusive to me.  I had tears of joy for three days afterwards, and my heart has changed with more love than I have ever experienced in my lifetime."

"Bishop Curry explained the teachings of Jesus in a way and passion that changed my world view."

"... the most memorable moment by far was the Bishop Curry keynote speech addressing the Power of Love.  He gave us the tools to go out and spread the word."

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After a short break, the second guest speaker of the day, the Rev. Jay Sidebotham, gave a presentation on RenewalWorks, a program developed for use in churches that focuses on discipleship and spiritual growth and development.  Sidebotham, who is the Director of RenewalWorks, is also well-known for his cartoons about church life that appears in calendars, promotional materials and videos, and has numerous published books.

It was a welcome treat to see his cartoons inserted in the presentation, bringing brevity and laughter to sobering statistics.  After years of declining attendance in churches across the nation, clergy and lay leaders search desperately for answers on how to grow or even keep their doors open.  Parishes worrying about repairs to buildings or stewardship campaigns, can stray from spiritual centeredness.  Sidebotham showed how RenewalWorks can help churches focus on spiritual growth, and to develop a "culture of discipleship."

After ten years of research that involved nearly a half million people from 1,700 churches (300 of which were Episcopal), key characteristics of flourishing congregations emerged; that of spiritual growth and a desire to deepen it.  From that research, RenewalWorks was developed and adapted for Episcopal traditions.  Each church's needs and visions are taken into account.  Leaders are identified and take an important role in implementing the steps that are deeply rooted in Scripture.

Below is a video version of Sidebotham's power point presentation.  You may pause it at any time.

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After lunch, a panel discussion on the topic of reconciliation was facilitated by Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick.  The panel was comprised of Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, the Rev. Diana Akiyama (Vicar, St. Augustine's), the Rev. Kaleo Patterson (Vicar, St. Stephen's), Angela Cainguitan (Good Shepherd), and Mary Carpenter (St. Clement's).

Questions elicited some very emotional accounts from each of the panelists, whose diverse backgrounds and cultural traditions were heavy factors in the way they handled conflict both within their families and the communities they lived in.  Their candid reactions were insightful and moving.

​​The first question was directed to all of the panelists, which was whether they had ever been or felt excluded.  The stories of blatant prejudice were painful to hear. 

Presiding Bishop Curry shared a story when he was a young boy living in Buffalo, New York.  The neighborhoods and schools were segregated, but in 1963, when anti-segregation marches were in full force, he was transferred to a "white" school with a handful of other children of color.  Despite the bullying that their "rainbow coalition" endured, they found their voice and the strength to overcome together. 

The Rev. Diana Akiyama's life growing up as a Japanese-American "half-breed" in the mainland, was especially difficult to listen to.  Her entire family was subject to constant racial slurs and mistreatment that took its toll, especially on her father. She recalled how she had never seen her dad happier and more relaxed than when they vacationed in Hawai'i.  They were no longer the minority that stood out, but blended in with people that looked just like them. 

Angela Cainguitan, the youngest of the panelists that serves on Diocesan Council, shared her angst about the shrinking numbers of youth in the Diocese.  She has felt the sting of neglect and lack of support, and is determined to be the voice for the youth.

Mary Carpenter spoke about her Samoan/Caucasian mixed heritage, and how her light skin actually held advantages for her.  But she also talked about the conflict and struggles with relatives who are Mormon and Fundamentalists, and the condemnation she has felt from them.

Patterson spoke about his use of ho'oponopono which is often characterized as "to set right" but that in the Baibala (Bible) reconciliation is referred to as "ho'olaulea" or "make joy" or "make peace." 

​During a final break, both the audience and students from The St. Andrew's Schools-The Priory, had the opportunity to write down questions to ask individual panelists.  How do they gather the strength to forgive? How do we support youth? How do we deal with all the negativity on social media? How do we reconcile with someone that doesn't want to?  

The follow up questions brought the discussion full circle, and the panelists were asked to reflect on prayer in reconciliation and forgiveness.  Patterson talked about having good breath or "ha" for our prayer to go to heaven, and Carpenter, who admitted to not being a good "prayer" added that "God knows our heart."

SUNDAY, MARCH 24, 2019
Sunday Holy Eucharist
Peggy Kai Memorial Lecture Series:
Talk Story with the Presiding Bishop, facilitated by Barbara Tanabe

The public was invited to the final day of Renewal 2019, that included a Sunday morning worship service at The Cathedral of St. Andrew, and an afternoon "talk story" interview with the Presiding Bishop.  Both events were live-streamed and taped.  In anticipation of a large crowd, overflow with live-stream viewing was available in Tenney Theatre, and people could tune into the events at home and on their mobile devices. 

Hundreds of people turned out for the Sunday service where Presiding Bishop Michael Curry would be delivering the sermon.  Folks showed up early for best seating, and others made sure to turn on their computers, phones and tablets wherever they were, to catch the live-stream. 

Minutes before the procession was to begin, the Presiding Bishop was interviewed by Barbara Tanabe, who is well-known for her years as a newscaster and is now President, owner and managing partner of Ho‛ākea Communications, a public affairs company in Hawai'i.  She would later conduct the afternoon interview, "Talk Story with the Presiding Bishop." 

Since his visit was during Lent, The Cathedral and service itself was dressed down to reflect the solemnity of the season, but the Presiding Bishop's fiery sermon lit up the sanctuary and the people with it!  He captivated worshipers in hushed silence when he spoke softly, barely above a whisper, and blew the roof off the Cathedral in moments of explosive passion, preaching the power of love.  He closed his sermon with the crowd singing along to "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands."  Barbara Tanabe would later share that she had never witnessed a standing ovation for a sermon before!

The entire service can be viewed below.

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(The service begins at 7:00m and the Presiding Bishop's sermon begins at 37:00m.)   ​

"Seeing and hearing and feeling Bishop Curry preach the Gospel in person at both the Blaisdell and St. Andrew's was life-changing for me. I have never heard anyone else preach the Good News in such a completely embodied way.  I have now read his book - The Power of Love - and I realize he has 'thrown himself into the arms of Jesus.' His example is absolutely inspiring. I am so grateful that he came to be among us." --- Leilani Madison

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In the afternoon, the public was invited to attend a "Talk Story Interview with the Presiding Bishop."  This event was sponsored by the Peggy Kai Memorial Fund, that established a lecture series program "...to bring well-known, thought-provoking individuals to speak at the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Honolulu.  It is a bequest from Ernie Kai in memory of his beloved wife 'Peggy' with the intention of enriching the Hawaiian public and bringing people to the Cathedral of St. Andrew." 

Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick welcomed everyone and gave an introduction that touched upon the history of the Church in Hawai'i, the background of the Peggy Kai Memorial Fund, and of the interviewer, Barbara Tanabe, and special guest, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry.  What followed was a delightful and candid conversation that revealed a different, more personal side to our Presiding Bishop. 

​One of the first questions asked was about the roots of his religious background, and he shared a story about his father who came from a lineage of Baptist priests.  When his mother took his father to an Episcopal Church, he was so moved witnessing his wife,  the only black person surrounded by white people, taking Communion and drinking from the same chalice as everyone else.  This was during the 1940s when segregation was alive and people of color had separate drinking fountains.  Curry quoted his dad saying that, "...any church where black folk and white folk drink from the same cup, there's something about that Gospel that I want to be a part of." 

Many other fascinating stories popped up over the hour that covered a wide range of topics.  His wit and wisdom, rooted in the love of Christ, was refreshing and intriguing.  After the interview, folks lined up for autographs and photos. 

As we bid a fond aloha to our spiritual leader, you could sense the sadness of having to see him go, and yet, he was leaving behind many souls filled with inspiration, hope and the love of God... much like our Lord and Savior Jesus did.

(The entire interview can be viewed below.)

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​"This conference was the most meaningful, passionate, rewarding I have ever been to.  I loved Bishop Curry.   I am still purring and so blessed to have been there.  A huge mahalo to you all." ---  Charlotte Holmes

PRE & POST ACTIVITY WITH THE PRESIDING BISHOP

Accompanying the Presiding Bishop were two of his staff members, Sharon Jones, his Executive Coordinator, and the Rev. Cn. Mark Stevenson.  Both before and after the main event, they were treated to private tours at Washington Place, 'Iolani Palace, and 'Iolani School.  

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Friday, March 22:
​Touring Washington Place & 'Iolani Palace

Before joining the Renewal 2019 event at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center, the Presiding Bishop and his staff spent Friday morning with Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick, the Rev. Ha'aheo Guanson, and Stuart Ching, the Diocesan Archivist, on a very special and private Queen Lili'uokalani historical tour that included the Washington Place and 'Iolani Palace.  The First Lady of Hawai'i, Dawn Ige, led the tour at Washington Place.  Afterwards, they returned to the Cathedral where they met with Lee Ann Silva, Vice President of the Queen Lili'uokalani Trust.  Stuart Ching also shared some treasured archives with them.  (Photos contributed by Sharon Jones and Ha'aheo Guanson) 

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Monday, March 25:
​Visiting 'Iolani School

 Monday, the day after Renewal 2019, the Presiding Bishop and his staff spent their last morning in Hawai'i touring 'Iolani School with Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick. The Rev. Heather Patton-Graham, who is a Chaplain at 'Iolani, arranged a wonderful tour for the group that included joyful Chapel with the K-6 graders. The students welcomed him with a cheerful song, and the Presiding Bishop delighted them with a story from Animal Planet to illustrate how our Lord is always with us.  He was then taken to a visit to the Archives where a special display was set up showing the Episcopal roots of 'Iolani School.  Timothy Cottrell, the Head of School, presented the Presiding Bishop with a monkeypod bowl made from the trees that were planted on campus for the first General Convention of The Episcopal Church.  An informal Q&A with the Presiding Bishop took place in a Religion class followed by watching the Kane Hula Halau practice in the athletic building. (Photos by Sybil Nishioka) 

#renewal2019hi, VIDEO SNIPPETS, & MORE!

Thank you to all who posted and shared their pictures on Facebook and Instagram... we share some of them here to enjoy!

BEHIND THE SCENES

The Planning Committee faced the daunting task of putting together an event of this size and magnitude with a "beer budget" and "champagne expectations."  The challenges were prayerfully answered in the form of donations, volunteers, cooperative vendors and enthusiastic committee members.  

​With the Presiding Bishop's entry into the celebrity world in 2018 (thanks in part to the Royal wedding) the planning committee had to wrestle with the notion of trying to accommodate as many people as possible with a room capacity limited to 300 with tables.  The idea of live-streaming Sunday's activities at The Cathedral became a reality, allowing more people to be a part of Sunday's events.  Both the morning Holy Eucharist service and afternoon "Talk Story" event were live-streamed, and also shown in the adjoining Tenney Theatre to accommodate overflow from The Cathedral. 

​Organizers also had to take into account the added expense that neighbor islanders faced, so each church was offered covered airfare for several members.  Special group room rates at the Marriott Best Western were secured, and a special shuttle was arranged to get to and from the events each day.  Child care was also offered on site at the Blaisdell Center.  

Overseeing the entire operation was Rae Costa, who serves as the Business Manager and Event Planner for the Diocese.  Although she humbly deflects credit to others, she deserves every ounce of thanks for coordinating a smooth-running and most memorable weekend experience! 

While there were dozens of people that helped make this event possible, special thanks go to the Rev. Kate Cullinane, who was in charge of securing the guest speakers; the cooperation of the Rev. Moki Hino and the Cathedral staff; and to the Rev. Mark Haworth, who handled the complex arrangements for the live-streaming on Sunday.  Committee members each had responsibilities that included pre and post event tours for the Presiding Bishop and his staff, announcements, the retail room, event logistics, graphics/website and registration.  Along with Rae, Kate, Moki and Mark, the Diocesan Support Center Staff and others on the Planning Committee were: the Rev. Cn. Alexander "Sandy" Graham, the Rev. Ha'aheo Guanson, Louise Aloy, Denise Esposito, Peter Pereira, Danny Casey, Sonny Liu and Sybil Nishioka. 

A heartfelt mahalo to all of the volunteers who came to help prepare the event bags, transport boxes to the Blaisdell (tons and tons), put together centerpieces, help set-up and breakdown, man the tables and so much more!  Special thanks to Luella Windisch for manning the projector and slideshows, and to the Rev. Frank and Norma Chun for always being a volunteer force to be reckoned with!   

On a somber note, the Rev. Cn. Malcolm Nāea Chun, who was on the original Planning Committee and came up with the theme for the event, passed away in January.  Renewal 2019 was dedicated in his honor, and his presence was felt throughout the weekend.

Finally, we give our deepest thanks to Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick for his support and encouragement throughout.  ​​