Pictured above is the Hawai'i team of (L-R) the Rev. Bruce DeGooyer, Dee Chang, the Rev. Carol Arney, the Rev. Heather Mueller, Norma Chun and the Rev. Cn. Frank Chun. (Photo by D. Ota)
Hawai'i's Chaplains to Retired Clergy and Their Families Gather in St. Paul
By the Diocesan Chaplains to Retired Clergy Team
(With contributions from The Rev. Laura Queen and Church Pension Group Communications Staff)
(With contributions from The Rev. Laura Queen and Church Pension Group Communications Staff)
[Chronicle, June 9, 2022] Diocese of Hawai’i Chaplains were able to attend the Church Pension Group’s (CPG) sixth Triennial National Chaplains to the Retired Meeting, held in St. Paul, MN, from May 3 through 6, 2022. In the words of the Rev. Heather Mueller from Maui, “The Rev. Laura Queen and Sean Scheller (Team Leaders of the CPG Chaplains Program) provided for us a wonderfully comfortable and beautiful space in which to stay, very informative plenary presentations, and wonderfully inspiring workshops. We had great meals, comfortable rooms, lively entertainment and inspiring worship.”
In total, 137 Chaplains from 40 dioceses attended. Our theme this year was "Gather at the River" because the Mighty Mississippi River was directly across the street from the conference hotel.
In total, 137 Chaplains from 40 dioceses attended. Our theme this year was "Gather at the River" because the Mighty Mississippi River was directly across the street from the conference hotel.
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The Rev. Laura Queen, Sean Scheller, the Rt. Rev. Craig Loya (Bishop of Minnesota), and our local host chaplains, the Rev. Lindsay and the Rev. Len Freeman, welcomed the gathered community in an evening of appreciation for being able to meet with each other in person. The Rev. Nick Mezacapa, harmonica in hand, encouraged the group to “levitate” with lightness, humor and music, mirroring the Conference Chaplain the Rev. Michael Battle’s opening meditation about Jesus’ model, and the importance and caring for the caregivers.
Throughout the week, there were multiple learning opportunities, reports from CPG, and time to be with each other—learning about both joys and challenges in this ministry we share. The Rev. Bruce DeGooyer served as the conference photographer, and we Hawai'i Chaplains were able to reconnect with the Rev. David Ota (Chaplain from the Diocese of California) and his wife, the Rev. Karen Swanson, both formerly from the Islands and a part of our diocesan ‘ohana. |
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Laura+ and Sean updated the assembly on the status of the Chaplains Ministry and program, with tales of their many experiences (webinars, phone calls, and extensive Zooming) across the country during the pandemic, with much humor and deep appreciation.
Church Pension Group CEO and President, Mary Kate Wold, brought us up-to-date on the state of the Church Pension Fund, noting in particular, that over the past three years, while many organizations struggled because of the pandemic, the CPG ministry of Chaplains to Retired Clergy and Surviving Spouses flourished with over 70,000 pastoral contacts—a record number! Presiding Bishop, the Most Rev. Michael Curry, in a video conversation, echoed that appreciation: “I want to thank you for your continued work and ministry and intentional pastoral care. Your work makes a profound difference… that, my friend, is simply remarkable. Thank you, thank you, thank you, and to God be the glory.”
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Things I learned: 1. Our United Health Care's GMA (Group Medicare Advantage) PPO Plan from the Medical Trust is NOT an individual plan like those advertised on TV, which have limited coverage. GMA’s coverage for us, is throughout the U.S. Ours is solid, and was put together with the Medical Trust and Benefits Policy teams at Church Pension Group. 2. Should a provider/doctor be out-of-network, then if possible, arrangements may be made for him/her to come into the network. 3. Cigna Dental did not send out “new" ID cards, unless an individual changed plans. To access an ID card, download their App, and follow the login process. — nEyeMed has moved away from physical ID cards. Go to their website & App. You will need the group number (9682535), and your SS#. - The Rev. Cn. Frank Chun |
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I am so grateful to the founders of the pension fund from yesteryear and the good stewardship which has taken place over the subsequent years. The fund and its success has made it possible for Episcopal clergy to live our years in retirement with a good level of security. The Fund has also made it possible for gatherings, like the one in Saint Paul, to take place. I am grateful for all of the support! - The Rev. Heather Mueller Going to the Triennial was an eye opener! Before I went, I saw the Chaplains to the retired and spouses as a small, diocesan effort. I was very impressed by the scope of the work the Church Pension Fund puts into helping us and keeping us trained and informed. At the same time, they realize that for our retired folk, our local, personal efforts is the best way to care. - The Rev. Carol Arney |
The final day of the conference began with an in-depth conversation with John Servais, CPG Sr. VP of Benefits Policy and Design, and the very first in-person, group Q&A conversation with a United Health Group Medicare Advantage team. Chief Nursing Officer Emily Nicoli, Strategic Account Executive Sean Langenus, and Senior Client Service Manager Kim Engle, fielded questions from chaplains from around the country and brought new resources to the table.
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It was great to renew connections with chaplains from across the nation and to attend sessions that included materials we could use in our chaplaincy. The Church Pension Group (CPG) really does care about the clergy and their families! - Norma Chun |
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After Provincial Chaplain gatherings in the afternoon, the community gathered for a Eucharist with 18-year West Missouri Chaplain the Rev. Jerry Kolb as Celebrant, and the Rev. Deacon Pat Jackson from Connecticut. The Gospel was read from Da Good an Spesho Book, the Hawai’i Pidgin Bible, by our own Rev. Frank Chun, who was involved with the translation process. This Hawai`i Pidgin Bible was the culmination of a 30-year project, completed in 2020. The Rev. Michael Battle’s sermon focused on the ability of chaplains, like Jesus, to ask new questions helping others to move through life’s moments to places of new creation in Christ.
Dinner and dancing with the Polka and Big Band sound of The Rod Cerar Orchestra brought the day to a warm communal conclusion. It was impressive to see chaplains show off their dance skills to a variety of tunes, including the Polka, the Waltz, the Twist, and more. |
This was my first opportunity to meet Chaplains from all over the Episcopal Church, and hear about the wonderful ministries they live out. I feel like I have new and deep connections with many who were there (including our own Diocesan Chaplains, since this was our first chance to be together in over two years!), and a deep pool upon which to draw for ideas, help, and support.
- The Rev. Bruce DeGooyer
