Celebrating EfM Mentor Training with Kihei and Coconut

[May 28, 2019, Honolulu]   An Education for Ministry (EfM) Mentor Training took place at the St. Anthony's Retreat Center on O'ahu, May 24-26, 2019.  Pam McCoy, a trained Mentor and organizer of the training, has been a strong advocate for EfM, and encourages all persons interested in furthering their call to Christian service, to explore this program and perhaps become a mentor in their church and community.  The following is shared by Pam McCoy:

Education for Ministry (please see the Diocesan web page HERE) is a four-year program in religious studies and reflection from the School of Theology at the University of the South. Participants enroll one year at a time, meeting weekly in a small group (no less than 6 people, no more than 12), with a trained mentor. The program has existed since the 1970’s and currently has about 6,300 enrolled.

Andrew Han, a first generation Korean American, was the trainer, and three mentors returned with plans to lead groups at their churches: John Condrey plans to start EfM at St. Mark’s in Honolulu, and Cynnie Salley and Teri Martindale will be restarting a group at St. Jude’s on the Big Island

For the first time, Education for Ministry in Hawaii included native Hawaiians among the trainees.  Kahu Ha’aheo Guanson, Kent Ka'ahanui, and Kahu Kaleo Patterson, who are all active in prison ministry, attended the mentor training to investigate the possibilities of offering EfM to those incarcerated in Halawa Prison on O'ahu.  They brought kihei for all to wear at the celebration of the Eucharist, with a coconut to serve as a metaphor for our connection to God (pictured at top).  They also brought each of us a gift to treasure always, Ka Baibala Hemolele, the Holy Bible in Hawaiian and English, to remember our training together. 

Photos contributed by Pam McCoy and Kahu Kaleo Patterson

They were joined by the Rev. Phil Paradine, a retired Episcopal priest, who has an active ministry in the Hawai'i State Hospital and the Honolulu Federal Detention Center.

All attendees completed training and are certified to lead EfM.  It was a joyful and Spirit-filled weekend.

If you are interested in learning about existing EfM groups in prisons, read this article from Sewanee School of Theology HERE.