During the lock down, clergy and lay stepped out of their comfort zones to explore the different options of online communication and worship. Zoom, Facebook Live and YouTube became the platforms of choice, and by the time churches were getting ready to reopen, many had become "tech pros."
Through their efforts, clergy were able to see the far reaching effects of posting online. No longer limited to only members on a Sunday morning, online posts uncovered a broader audience both near and far! Churches with seasonal visitors or "snowbirds," as they are affectionately called, were delighted to see their mainland 'ohana join them on Zoom, and others found it convenient to be able to watch recorded services at any time. With the great response to online worship, most churches are continuing to offer them as part of their regular worship options. Online worship is also crucial to those who may still not feel comfortable worshiping in person, especially our kupuna and those with underlying health issues. In fact, the Customary recommends that our kupuna remain at home for their own safety. |
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ST. PETER'S, Honolulu
People were welcomed to return, but we encouraged those who are high risk or who have concerns, to join us by internet. We are one congregation whether gathering in the church or at home! I want to add a "shout out" to Manny Dayao as our "tech guy." He is our Lay Associate for Worship and Music and normally plays the piano at our 7:30am service, but during this COVID time, he has taken on the role as our Techno Wizard and has been doing an awesome job! In returning to the sanctuary, we have begun using a new program called Switcher to live stream and record, and Manny has very quickly (it's only been two Sundays!) learned how to switch between camera views, add split screens, titles, etc. He's really making it look like a professional recording. Our challenge has been the wi-fi connectivity. St. Peter's is an area of high competition for the air waves. We're still working on that. -- The Rev. Diane Martinson, St. Peter's, Honolulu A funny side note from Pastor Diane: A parking lot greeter is present at both services with a 6’ fiberglass pole to humorously and visually remind people to maintain 6’ distancing. |
It was a priceless time to be at St. Peter’s again. You planned our safe return perfectly. The service gave us much thought for our many blessings. The music was most memorable! -- (St. Peter's Member)
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ST. MARK'S, Honolulu
No matter how hard we tried to reach people online during this pandemic, many people still felt there was no substitute for gathering in person, and this was a trait that appeared throughout all the generations, young and old alike. People were eager to regather in the church, as it is a holy place that has been soaked with prayer throughout the ages whether that is today or in the past by our ancestors. Holy places still have a power to bring people into God’s presence. -- The Rev. Paul Lillie, St. Mark's, Honolulu PARISH OF ST. CLEMENT, Honolulu - [It's been] crazy, exhausting, but wonderful! How amazing is it that we gather together in worship from all different places including our own sanctuary?! -- The Rev. Heather Hill, The Parish of St. Clement, Honolulu
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ST. NICHOLAS, Kapolei
St. Nicholas came together for Morning Prayer on Sunday, June 21, 2020. They met near the hula mound in Kapolei Regional Park, behind Fort Barrett and the Kapolei Archery Range, in the shade of a tree. The congregation liked meeting there and decided to meet there again next week. Doug Brown updated everyone on the status of our regular meeting location (Makakilo Recreation Center). It won't be open until late August or early September. Then we will have the first two Sundays whenever it reopens. It's an experiment today. It's nice not to set up in a 'church' sort of way. -- Kala Holden The service was quite refreshing and doing it outdoors with all of God's glorious creation surrounding us was very uplifting! -- David Jones, St. Nicholas, Kapolei |
(Photos by David Jones)
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ST. JAMESʻ, Kamuela & ST. COLUMBA'S, Paʻauilo
The congregations of St. James' are currently meeting for worship at three different sites in open air environments: The St. James' Thrift Store lanai, the Kawaihae Canoe Club, and St. Columba's. They have also been well prepared for social distancing, having live-streamed their services for a few years now. (Photos from their website video.) |
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Click above to go to the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i's main website.
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