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Both began their journey to ordination on the Big Island, garnering huge support from their priests and home churches; Andrew from Holy Apostles Episcopal in Hilo, and Steve from St. James' Episcopal congregations. They enrolled in the Waiolaihui'ia local formation program, before deciding to pursue their Masters of Divinity on the mainland. In 2016, Andrew headed to Virginia Theological Seminary, and Steve entered the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest. The three year program went by quickly, with both graduating this past Spring, pictured at right with their loved ones.
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The service began at 10:00 AM, with an 'Oli by Cathedral Verger, Roth Puahala. Debra Lewis from Holy Apostles and Steve Lambuth from St. James' carried the banners from their respective churches in the procession.
Presenting the ordinands to Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick, were Douglass Adams, the Rev. Cn. Moki Hino and the Rev. Katlin McCallister for Andrew; and Steve Lambuth, the Rev. Linda Lundgren, William McPeek and the Rev. Vincent McTighe for Steve. Delivering the sermon was the Rev. Alison Dingley, who is also the chair for the Commission on Ministry. Friends and family members had various roles in this very special event for the ordinands, including Andrew's young son, Liam, who along with Steve's husband, the Rev. Vincent McTighe, served as the Oblation Bearers. Following the service, the newly ordained deacons were piled high with congratulatory lei, and a reception was held under the Cathedral's Aloha tent. |
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After uprooting their lives three years ago, the Rev. Dcn. Andrew Arakawa shared that his family is settling back into life in Hawaiʻi. Andrew will be serving as the Assistant Upper School Chaplain at ʻIolani School, and as a Deacon Associate at St. Mark’s Honolulu, fulfilling the six month requirement of service before ordination into the Presbyterate.
Andrew's son Liam will attend ʻIolani School as well, joining the Class of 2024 as an 8th Grader. Go Raiders! His wife Kimberly will be a remote employee of the Virginia Theological Seminary continuing to serve as the Project Coordinator for the Baptized for Life initiative, under the direction of Dr. Lisa Kimball. She will also be working on finishing up her graduate degree in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University. |
"Words fail to capture the magnitude of the experience today at Andrew’s ordination to the transitional diaconate. So much gratitude for all the friends and family who were able to join us in person, and in spirit. A big special mahalo to Aunty Karen and the 17 members of the Church of the Holy Apostles (Andrew’s sending parish) who flew in from Hilo to celebrate the day with us." -- Kimberly Arakawa Pictured below with the church banner is the Holy Apostles 'ohana that flew in to be with Andrew on this special day.
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"From the moment Andrew and his family walked through the doors of Holy Apostles Church in Hilo seven years ago, I knew there was something very special about him. After we got to know one another, he expressed a desire to serve the church in a deeper way and I am ever so grateful that the community there helped him discern a call to ordained ministry. |
Below are the Rev. Cn. Moki Hino of The Cathedral and the Rev. Katlin McAllister of Holy Apostles at the reception. Canon Hino was Andrew's original sponsoring priest, and shared a poignant reflection.
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"It was with congratulatory pride that Steve Lambuth and I attended Steve McPeek's ordination to the transitional diaconate on June 22, at the Cathedral of St. Andrew. |
The newly ordained Deacon Steve McPeek, holds a beautifully crafted koa Communion kit made by one of the Beach Mass parishioners, Clay Reeves, along with a photo and card with a generous monetary gift from the parishes of St. James'. From left is the Rev. Linda Lundgren, Steve Lambuth and Elizabeth Lewin.
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"Together with my spouse, the Rev. Vincent McTighe, and youngest daughter, Alexis, I plan to move to Germany this summer to work with the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe. Details are being finalized and St. Augustine of Canterbury Anglican/Episcopal Church in Wiesbaden has welcomed me as a curate. Having lived in Germany for 17 years of my young adult life, I am fluent in German and look forward to serving the Convocation." -- The Rev. Dcn. Steve McPeek Although he was unable to attend the service, the Rev. David Stout of St. James' shared the lovely tribute below about Deacon Steve. It also includes a reminder about the role each person plays in raising up another.
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“A priest mentor once told me that, ‘a primary role of the church community is to raise one another up; that at the heart of our life together is resurrection in all its many forms.’ A congregation celebrates when one of its members discovers their calling. It has been a such blessing to our parish as a whole to watch Steve live into where God is leading him. His deep heart for God, musical talent, passion for sharing the Gospel and entrepreneurial spirit will be a blessing to the wider Church. Combine this with a spouse who is seasoned and gifted pastor and priest, wherever they end up the congregation will be doubly blessed!” -- The Rev. David Stout |
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Click above to go to the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i's main website.
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