Celebrating a birthday at St. Jude's Women's Bible Study

Parish Spotlight:  Reaching Out at St. Jude's

[June 1, 2019, Ocean View, HI]  Back at the 2017 Annual Meeting of Convention, St. Jude's Episcopal Church on the Big Island was one of three churches featured in a video that was a part of Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick's Address to the Convention.  He highlighted the three churches (St. Elizabeth's, St. Columba's and St. Jude's) as being "at the forefront of the renewal of the Episcopal Church in Hawai'i."  (The video can be viewed HERE.)

Those bold words captured everyone's attention, especially since two of the three churches featured are located on the Big Island, and were relatively unfamiliar to many in the Diocese.

What was even more fascinating was learning that St. Jude's, which is located in Ocean View on the Southern most tip of the Big Island, for years has had no permanent priest, relying on visiting clergy to lead Sunday services.  As a mission church, members handle all aspects of church operations, guided by a Bishop's Committee. 

So how does a small church with no resident priest, located in an extremely rural area where many live off the grid, become one of the most vibrant in the Diocese with an astronomical growth rate?

The answer may well be in the Bishop's Address:  "Being with those churches, I can tell you that they are boldly faithful. They not only care for their neighbors, they expect those they serve will become part of their Church ʻohana."  He goes on to say, "They share the bold face of Jesus Christ. These are people of God who are not afraid to fail, and who celebrate every little triumph.  Bold faith, engaged service, courageous hearts and much food permeate the lives of these congregations."

​Although St. Jude's was thrust into the spotlight back in 2017, they are our featured Parish Spotlight today.  Not only do they continue to honor their commitment to serve others, but they have expanded upon it, spreading the love of Jesus through every bowl of soup and meal they serve, every shower they offer, and every smile they bring to a young child in their computer lab--- and that generosity of spirit and love has been infectious! ​​

​​Individuals and several non-profit organizations have come to St. Jude's to partner up with or extend a helping hand to enhance the outreach services they provide.  The Big Island Giving Tree, sets up tents during the Saturday shower ministry to distribute clothing, shoes, toiletries, and other items that struggling families may need.  Community members who heard about the shower ministry saw an opportunity to serve, and now show up on shower days to provide free haircuts to patrons.  A member of a Catholic Church heard about the computer lab, and wanted to offer her time and talent while addressing a need in the community.  She now teaches tech skills to the seniors in St. Jude's computer lab on Mondays.  The list goes on. ​​

Cordelia Burt, Bishop's Warden

"Cordelia Burt, is our Bishop's Warden and the Shower Ministry is her baby," says Cindy Cutts, the editor of their engaging Talk Story newsletter.  "Every Saturday, Cordelia coordinates the volunteers for making the soup, opening and managing the two showers, Bingo, haircuts, Giving Tree donations, crisis counseling, etc.  No story about St. Jude's is complete without mentioning Cordelia, because she is the heart of the church."

​Along with their outreach programs, St. Jude's has become a hub of services for the community that includes a food pantry, spay and neuter clinic, a County Senior Nutrition Program, college financial aid sessions and a place where recovery groups meet. 

But none of it would be possible without the dedication, commitment, and leadership of every member of the church.  When they uncover a need, they find a way to fill it through grants and lots of elbow grease.  ​

​Challenges have become opportunities for expanding outreach, as was the case during the Saturday Shower Ministry.  Member Cindy Cutts candidly shared how Bingo was recently integrated. 

"It started out as a kids craft day to keep the kids occupied while they waited for showers," says Cindy, "They were monsters! Having an organized activity stopped the craziness.  When the craft person left, another less-crafty person thought Bingo would serve the same purpose.  She didn’t expect it to be such a big hit with the adults!  Bingo has created a micro-community of friends who cheer each other on and win prizes for one another.  Who would have ever thought 'Anything shaking in Ocean View this weekend?' would be quickly answered, 'Bingo at St. Jude’s!'"

Another popular ministry was developed by Don Hatch, who is also a member of the Bishop's Committee (and plays Santa at the keiki Christmas party).  He serves as the administrator and computer engineer for the computer lab that has flourished since its inception a little over a year ago.  The lab is the only place in Ka'u to offer free computer services and printing, and recently partnered with Ka'u High School to run an after school program for students.  That opened up an opportunity for Jasmine Arguello, one of their members who Don was mentoring, and had been helping to manage the lab.  She is now in a paid position to run that after school program, funded by the Department of Education.   

As Bishop Fitzpatrick mentioned in his address, "much food permeates the lives of these congregations," and St. Jude's knows how to serve it up!  Whether it's a bowl of steaming soup on shower days, distributing canned goods, or flipping pancakes at a church gathering, food has played a huge role in the life of the church.  Their newsletter even boasts recipes on their "What's Cookin' at St. Jude's" feature!  To help raise funds for their many ministries, they regularly hold spaghetti fundraiser dinners and celebrate seasonal occasions with festive meals like Cinco de Mayo and Oktoberfest.  Of course, it goes without saying that they turn out a large feast for their annual Thanksgiving meal that is organized and co-sponsored by Junior Warden, Steve Stigall.

"The thing about St. Jude’s outreach is we try to serve what’s at the door.  And you don’t have to be a member to serve. We provide thousands of meals on a meager budget and no one ever goes hungry, the catchment tanks stay full of water - either with rain or purchased delivered water, the lab is always full of users, whenever it’s open.  Everyone is welcome and encouraged to get involved in service.  Some of our most faithful volunteers started out as shower clients." -- Cindy Cutts  ​

But don't be fooled into thinking that all St. Jude's does is outreach.  They are a deeply faithful people with an active women and men's Bible Study, Hannah Makana Ohana Hula, a group that preforms at their worship services (and who also performed at the Annual Meeting of Convention in 2018), and even a Handbell Group!  They have been designated “my church” by the community if a funeral, wedding, baptism, etc., is needed.  When the church was vandalized, there were as many non-members who turned up with their own equipment to help clean it all up. "The outpouring of love and support was heartwarming," said Cindy.

It is obvious through their pictures, newsletters, and support from the community, that this church is very special and very beloved.  They enjoy each other and the people they serve.  St. Jude's is a wonderful example of people living into their baptismal covenant by spreading the love of our Lord each and every day in everything they do.

(Photos courtesy of St. Jude's.)

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Sybil Nishioka, Editor and Communications Contractor, Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i