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. |
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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.
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.
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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!
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