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the
ECWO ECHO
The Episcopal Church of West Oahu
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2
FEBRUARY 2015
CLERGY CORNER
Father Paul Klitzke
“Religion points to that area of human experience where in one way or another man comes upon mystery as a summons to pilgrimage.” - Frederick Buechner
The idea of “pilgrimage” is important to many faiths. Despite holding this
spiritual discipline in common, there are a variety of expressions. Some
hold to the idea of it as traveling to a specific Holy site, often a once in a
lifetime experience. Others contend that our very lives, as faithful people,
are a pilgrimage. This thinking is more in line with John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress. These discrepancies shouldn’t detract from the inherent
value of the discipline.
I tend to think of pilgrimage mostly in the former description; a time set
aside for spiritual journey and discovery. Ideally, this would happen several
times in one’s lifetime, but does require some commitment and sacrifice. I
believe it is one of several aspects of the covenant established between God
and Abraham. This is evident still in the Abrahamic faiths. Muslims,
Christians and Jews honor many sacred sites throughout Jerusalem. Islam
holds the “Hajj” (a pilgrimage to Mecca) as one of five pillars of faith.
I feel blessed to have experienced pilgrimage a couple of times in my
life. While in college, Sarah and I had the opportunity to travel to the
“May the peace of the Lord
“Holy Land” (Jerusalem). We learned a great deal about the history of the
be always with you!”
place and experienced the land in which much of our Biblical story occurred. I believe it added to the depth of understanding we have of the Bible and brought some of the stories to a
fuller light. It is also where I proposed to Sarah . . . but that’s another story (another aspect of pilgrimage too!).
In 2012 I studied pilgrimage more closely with a group of peers. We read books, discussed and planned for a trip
we would take together. In 2013 I traveled to Spain with five colleagues and hiked the Camino trail (“The
Way”). Perhaps you’ve seen the movie that featured this pilgrimage? It was another amazing time of spiritual
growth and development, not to mention a lot of fun too.
Pilgrimage doesn’t have to take you around the world. Some in Hawaii have traveled to Molokai to observe the
sacred sites of Fr. Damien’s ministry. I am hopeful that this article might spark some interest, or reignite some desire for pilgrimage in those in West Oahu. Perhaps it begins with a continued conversation about what pilgrimage
is. I am hopeful that some would consider traveling to Molokai together. I would enjoy coordinating a larger trip,
to the Holy Land, or to early church sites in Greece and Turkey. Thinking “Retracing Paul’s footsteps” with . . . .
Paul!
Blessings Fr. Paul
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TOP 10 REASONS TO VOLUNTEER
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
WEST OAHU
Are you thinking of volunteering? There are many opportunities within your community to
Ministers:
Priest in Charge:
get involved! Here is a list of reasons why some people choose to give their time to support
their community:
Father Paul Klitzke
St. Nicholas - St. Timothy
vicar@stnickschurch.org
10. It’s good for you. Volunteering provides physical and mental rewards. It can reduce
stress and make you healthier.
Priest:
9. Because you’re passionate about a cause. Volunteering to get involved in something you really care about is a meaningful and rewarding experience.
Kaleo Patterson
St. Philip’s - St. Stephen’s
kaleop@me.com
8. Volunteers gain professional experience. You can learn a great deal from volunteering. This can be a good resume’ builder.
Steve Costa
St. Stephen's
thnxhp@yahoo.com
7. It brings communities together. As a volunteer you are able to help:
A. Unite people from diverse backgrounds to work together towards a common
goal.
B. Build camaraderie and teamwork.
Treasurer:
6. It promotes personal growth & self-esteem. Understanding community needs
helps foster understanding and self-worth.
Deacon:
Doug Brown
EDGE
Sarah Klitzke
youthdirector@
episcopalhawaii.org
Shana Ikeda
Newsletter:
Bob Windisch
gigatt99@hawaiiantel.net
ECWO
website: www.ecwo.org
contact: info@ecwo.org
5. Volunteering strengthens your community.
4. You learn a lot.
A. Self: Volunteers can discover hidden talents that may change your view on your
self-worth.
B. Community: Volunteers gain knowledge of local resources available to solve
community needs.
3. You get a chance to give back: Your added effort can make a world of difference to
someone.
2. Encourages civic responsibility. Community service and volunteerism are an investment in your community and the people who live in it.
1.
You make a difference. Every person counts!
Director of Operations and Editor’s Note: The above article was reprinted with permission from the Ewa by Gentry
Community Association. I hope you will notice that you can easily substitute the word
Congregational
CHURCH wherever you see “community’.
Development:
Stewardship University Coming Back to Hawai'i!
Keane J. K. Akao
Live-Stream Available for Neighbor Islands
Direct: 808.561.1244
Email: keane.akao@ecwo.org Stewardship University will be taking place on Saturday, February 28, 2015, and will be held
at The Cathedral of St. Andrew, Von Holt Room, from 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM.
Photography:
Steve Costa
Shana Ikeda
Dave Jones
Sarah Klitzke
Laurie Luczak
Kaleo Patterson
Bob Windisch
Stewardship University will be conducted by the Rev. Canon Timothy M. Dombek, Canon
for Stewardship and Planned Giving for the Diocese of Arizona. Nationally known for stewardship development, Dombek will delve into topics such as "How To Talk About Money"
and "Year-Round Stewardship That You Can Do," which will help participants to build up the
stewardship programs they already have in place. He is the author of Making the Annual
Pledge Drive Obsolete, published earlier in 2014.
Although all individuals are welcome, Clergy and lay leaders are encouraged to sign up as
teams to strengthen their stewardship programs. Participants will gain a common understanding of stewardship possibilities and reap the benefits all year long!
The workshop is free of charge. Airfare stipends are not available. Neighbor island participation will be via a live-stream internet connection. For complete information go to:
http://www.episcopalhawaii.org/
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Greeter Training
When You Welcome a Stranger, You Welcome Jesus Himself
A regional greeter training was held on Jan. 24, 2015 at
Christ’s Gathering Place. The training was actually done
through a taped Hawaiian Island Ministries (HIM) training
entitled “Ushers and Greeters Workshop” made available on
DVD. The group introduced themselves by sharing a little
known fact about themselves, and then settled in for the next
two hours for a riveting presentation by Pastor Dan Chun of
HIM. All four ECWO churches were represented.
Visitors want to be anonymous (they don’t want that lei we
are so desperate to give them!); the greeter is vital to ensuring
the service runs smoothly & they set the tone for the rest of
the congregation (if you’re greeted by a grumpy greeter, or
not even greeted – it’s setting a tone); the unpardonable sin
for a greeter is not paying attention (if someone slumps over
in a pew, the greeter better be the first one there assisting);
introducing the visitor to others in the congregation or the
pastor or the Sunday School teacher could mean the world of
The information was eye opening. Being an usher/greeter is a
difference for that visitor; welcoming the children in the
high calling; one that should be entered into after some reflecguest’s family is just as important as welcoming the adults,
tion on your own spiritual gifts. Do you have the gift of hosand on and on. We learned how important customer service is
pitality? A desire to make
for companies who want to make
people feel welcomed when
a profit….. and how much more
Greeter Training—January 2015
they walk into a new environimportant our customer service is
ment? Are you sensitive to
for the person who’s coming to
discerning the needs or mood
seek Christ!
of your guests, so you’ll know
how they should be welPutting ourselves into the shoes of
comed? These are the people
a first time visitor, we realized
whose gifts suit them for being
that it’s not about our needs, but
a great greeter, which will
their needs. What we would want
translate to a great first imis a friend to welcome us, show us
pression of your congregation
around, explain any questions,
for the guest.
and introduce us to new friends.
We were reminded that visitors
are not about a notch on our belts,
What was even more enlightor “got another one!”, or potential
ening for all in attendance,
members. Having a visitor join
however, was that this was not
just about the ushers/
us is all about being able to welgreeters….but instead, is about
come someone who might be
how each of us in every congregation welcomes the stranger
nervous, unsure, or afraid that they are too big of a sinner
that is brave enough to walk through the doors.
to be at church – to welcome that person warmly, just as
Jesus Himself would have done. What a high calling inWe heard story after story of folks being welcomed well
deed!
(everyone in the congregation was truly warm to the visitor; at
each step of the way, another helpful face would be there to
At the end of the training, the group talked about how imporwelcome the newcomer without overpowering the guest) to
tant it is for everyone in the congregation to be welcoming to
stories of people whose gifts were clearly not one of hospitala guest, and discussed ideas on how we could share this trainity and turned off the visitor so strongly that years after the
ing to that broader audience – stay tuned as ideas percolate!
visit, the guest still vividly remembered how rude the greeter
was.
If interested in viewing the DVD or participating in another
training, contact Dot Shigemura at lavadot@lava.net.
There were so many revealing ideas presented in the training.
UPDATED: Safe Church Training Dates
The Church's Safe Church Policies require church leadership and those working with children to attend special training
classes. The following classes have been set up with more to come. Please read the Safe Church Policies to note the
differences between Safeguarding God's Children and Sexual Misconduct Prevention Training, and to see if you are required to attend a class.
Saturday, April 11 - Sexual Misconduct Prevention Training (St. Timothy's, Aiea, O'ahu) Saturday, August 1 - Sexual Misconduct Prevention Training (The Cathedral of St. Andrew, Honolulu, O'ahu) To Register go to: http://www.episcopalchurch.org
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EDGE News
Aloha! I hope you are all well in the new year. As a new year has begun, I would love to connect about youth ministry in your congregation. Please let me know if there is someone you know who is not getting my emails that should be added to my list.
I would love to plan some neighbor island visits to discuss youth ministry, camp, retreats, or just meet your youth. Please let me
know if there is a particular upcoming event or meeting you would like me to attend.
High School Retreat AWAKE! UPCOMING:
Thursday, March 19-Saturday, March 21st - in conjunction with the Hawaiian Island Ministries (HIM) Conference. Cost is $100
before Feb. 26 and $150 after that date. Registration materials will be available soon, and I need some chaperones to help with this
event. I am unavailable on the 21st past 9am, so I need someone who is willing to help take lead for that day. If I do not have
volunteer chaperones by Feb 15th, this event will be cancelled. Required: Safeguarding God's Children must be current, but can
be updated online if needed. Also need someone to do airport runs -- please contact me for more info on this!
Dates for Hui Pu Camp this year are as follows:
Ahe (preview camp for children completing grades 3-5): June 26-28th
Lokahi (completing grades 6-8): June 28-July 3rd
'Opio (completing grades 9-12): July 5-10th
We will be staying in the cabins this year and are looking forward to a very exciting summer. Registration will begin in late April/
Early May, so save the dates!
I have also scheduled a teleconference for anyone who is trained as a "trainer" for Safeguarding God's Children. It will be Sunday,
April 12th from 4-5pm. I will send out the finalized conference information to all the trainers I have listed. This will hopefully give
all trainers a chance to communicate and ask questions, update any information, and discuss how better to schedule and hold trainings. Please let me know if there is anything you would like added to the agenda or anything that should be discussed.
Blessings,
Sarah Klitzke
The Episcopal Church in Hawaii
Youth Director
youthdirector@episcopalhawaii.org
(808) 673-8079 cell
(808) 536-7776 ext 309 office
Ash Wednesday and the Season of Lent
Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent, a time for soul searching. It is named for the custom of placing blessed
ashes on the foreheads of worshipers at the Ash Wednesday services. The ashes are a sign of penitence and a reminder of mortality, and are typically imposed with the sign of the cross.
At the Ash
Wednesday service we turn to God and turn away from evil, negligence and indifference. The ashes used in the service are made from the palms used at last year's Palm
Sunday service. The palms from Palm Sunday then serve two purposes: celebration of the
glad welcoming of Jesus into Jerusalem, after which they are collected and laid aside for
almost a year. The second purpose is the burning of the palms, as they are used to makes
ashes for Ash Wednesday. The use of ashes in penitence and turning to God is found in
ancient scripture (see Job 42:5-6: “I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now
my eye sees you; therefore I….repent in dust and ashes.”)
The season now known as Lent comes from an Old English word meaning "spring," the time
ASH WEDNESDAY
of lengthening days, and its 40 day season has a long history. Early Christians observed "a
February 18
season of penitence and fasting" in preparation for the Paschal feast, or Pascha. Originally,
in places where Pascha was celebrated on a Sunday, the Paschal feast followed a fast of
up to two days. In the third century this fast was lengthened to six days. Eventually this fast became attached to, or overlapped, another fast of forty days, in imitation of Christ's fasting in the wilderness. The forty-day fast was especially important for converts to the faith who were preparing for baptism, and for those guilty of notorious sins who were being
restored to the Christian assembly. In the western church the forty days of Lent extend from Ash Wednesday through
Holy Saturday, omitting Sundays. The last three days of Lent are the sacred Triduum of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday,
and Holy Saturday, all leading up to Easter.
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A Cup of Cold Water
“This is not a feel good ministry. It is difficult. It calls for honesty and great humility.
It is a gift from God. Give thanks and join in.” ACCW brochure 2014
A Cup of Cold Water (ACCW) is a community Care-Van outreach program on the Island of Maui, formed by a group of committed
Episcopalians from Good Shepherd, Holy Innocents, St. John's and Trinity By-the-Sea. The program is a food and clothing distribution service for the poor and needy in the community. The care-van is loaded up each week and driven to those in need, to deliver
essential food, hygiene and clothing items throughout the island. The team is now at least 18 organizations strong, and growing – it
even has some partner Episcopal churches from other islands.
In 2014, A Cup of Cold Water conducted 157 mission runs and served 7,957 people in need. No matter who they were, no matter
what their struggle was, no matter what path their fragile lives have taken. They served in silent prayer, without judgment. With
hope in their hearts, they met the most basic of needs in small measures for our own poor, right here, right now.
Shown below is a “snap shot” report that gets regularly sent out to volunteers and donors. It captures the essence of this ministry
work. If you feel moved to get involved, you may contact ACCW at: acupofcoldwatermaui@gmail.com
or by phone at (808) 419-1637.
1/11/2015 Sunday South Maui (Run leader B.J., Erica Eberly and Donna Tarsitano)
Sunday was a slightly cool but beautiful day; we served a total of 27 clients including a young, very pregnant mother with a
boy about 2 years old. She was very clean and seemingly without a care, she asked for newborn diapers because the new
baby is "due Thursday" and she didn't have any. We gave her two packages and she strolled away chatting happily with the
other clients. The consensus is that she's not homeless. Is she just out looking for something free?
There were no clients waiting to be helped prior to the run. By the ABC store there were only 3 male clients (regulars) and
a mother of 4. She needed food, water and toiletries and was grateful for the help. The tall thin man with the huge smile
asked for a clean shirt. He changed into it right away. He takes care of a colony of cats but he didn't ask for food today. B.J. asked how the cats are doing. A big smile and "they're doing fine".
No library man today. At one of the beach parks we saw a man with painfully infected looking, swollen feet and hands; he
greeted us with blessings and pure gratitude. He was so hungry and so very happy to get a meal. There are not many clients in the parks for some reason though the parks are full of families and visitors. B.J. asked one of the regulars where
everyone has gone? The police and DLNR has moved a lot of people away. A few have found shelter from the weather in
abandoned houses. One of the few still at the park says he doesn't need anything but water because he works 5 days a
week, he just can't afford an apartment.
We see a young couple near Salvation Army on Hale Kuai Street. She looks anxious and scared, asking for food and sanitary supplies. His feet aren't touching the ground as he texts or surfs the net while asking for sweets and candy. "Load me
up," he says. His right foot and ankle is swollen and scarred from a motorcycle accident a while ago.
There are 3 new clients in the strip of grass by the round about on Liloa. They look happy and amazed that someone would
drive up with food for them. We tell them to look for the van next Sunday.
It's been cold, wet and windy so there were lots of requests for towels, sweatshirts, shorts and socks. We didn't have any at
all to give out but the clients were happy to get a small bag of snacks.
Maybe in the next weeks there will be more towels. Isn't there a January "white sale" going on?
Blessed to serve,
Donna Tarsitano
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ECWO First Regional Annual Meeting - January 2015
Over 100 people attended the first Regional Annual meeting of the four churches making up the new Episcopal Church of
West Oahu. As some attendees were registering others were visiting the various Ministry tables to learn about volunteer opportunities while others enjoyed the Hawaiian music provided by “Mento”. Gradually everyone migrated into Sumida Hall
where color coded (for each church community) t-shirts and a box lunch were provided. Father Paul Klitzke gave a “state of
the region” talk, explaining about what ECWO is, what the goals for 2014 were, how they were met and what the goals are for
2015. One of the main goals is to increase the opportunities for each church to work together with the other churches in the
region and to enjoy fellowship opportunities with each other as we grow into one united community.
The Regional budget was presented, discussed and voted on followed by nominations for the Bishop’s Committees of each
church and delegates to the upcoming November convention. As voting results were tallied there was a question and answer
session for Father Paul and Bishop Fitzpatrick.
A message from Father Paul Klitzke:
Mahalo nui loa!
The annual meeting was a tremendous success! It felt like the culmination of our collective effort to date was
honored, with great anticipation for
the next chapter.
I cannot begin to list those I need to
thank, while many dedicated long
hours of preparation and support, it
was everyone gathered together that
made it a great success. I was delighted to see the commitment to
shared ministry.
The band: “Mento”
Mele (Mele Apana), Eric Lee and Rodney Bejer.
Blessings Fr. Paul
Keane J. K. Akao
Director of Operations and
Congregational Development
The Episcopal Church of West O’ahu
98-939 Moanalua Road
Aiea HI 96701
Direct: 808.561.1244
Email: keane.akao@ecwo.org
ECWO First Regional Annual Meeting - Election Results
St. Nicholas
Bishop’s Committee
Kala Holden - 3 yr term
Mike Coullahan - 2 yr term
Diocesan Convention
Brandie Shin
Tom Gatti
Kala Holden
Katherine Portillo - Alternate
ECWO Leadership Council
Doug Brown - 1 yr term
St. Philip’s
Bishop’s Committee
Van DeVeaux - 3 yr term
Mary Natividad - 2 yr term
John Wayte - 1yr term
St. Stephen’s
Bishop’s Committee
Carol Connell - 3 yr term
Sandra Shawhan - 2 yr term
April Kimura - 1 yr term
St. Timothy’s
Bishop’s Committee
Sue Ann Wargo - 3 yr term
Lucille Caldwell - 2 yr term
Jane Murakami - 1 yr term
Diocesan Convention
Lisa Deveaux
Loretta Mokiao
May Holokai
Naomi Patterson - Alternate
Diocesan Convention
Kurt Eschbach
Jim Putnam
Sandra Shawhan
Convention Delegate
Laurie Luczak
Lucille Caldwell
Dave Millard
Jana Dove
ECWO Leadership Council
Van DeVeaux - 1 yr term
ECWO Leadership Council
Molly Mayher - 1 yr term
ECWO Leadership Council
Dave Millard - 1 yr term
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Youth gathering kicks off 2015
The Kapolei Chorale
Invites you to sing in
The 5th Annual Leeward Music Festival
Sunday, April 18, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Kroc Center near UHWO Campus
Rehearsal begins
Sunday, February 1 - 6:30 PM
At Kioni and Doris Dudley’s Home
92-1365 Hauone St. in upper Makakilo
Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass welcome to sing
Kapolei Chorale is a non-profit community
Chorus for adults.
On January 23, 2015 Kahu Kaleo and Deacon Steve attended
the Memorial Walk and Solutions meeting for Elizabeth Mallard who was homeless and the first pedestrian killed January
2nd. ECWO will be developing a Memorial Walk and Solutions Team to participate in future walks by making signs,
phone calling, praying and other items as needed.
Ph. 672-8888
email:DrKionoDudley@hawaii.rr.com
Children from Puuhale Elementary School, Kalihi
The Kapolei Chorale performing at St. Andrews Cathedral's
Jan. 17th Hookuikahi - Reconciliation Service in honor of Queen
Liliuokalani.
ECWO Worship Services
FEBRUARY CALENDAR
St. Nicholas Episcopal Church
February is National Black History Month
SUNDAY:
10:00 AM
@Christ’s Gathering Place
939 Moanalua Rd.
Aiea, HI 96701
SUNDAY NIGHT:
5:00 PM
@Island Pacific Academy
909 Haumea St.
Kapolei, HI 96707
Email: info@stnickschurch.org
February 2 - Monday - Groundhog Day
February 3 - Tuesday - ECWO Ministry Meeting - 6:30 PM
Sumida Hall
February 10 - Tuesday - ECWO Council Meeting - 6:30 PM
Sumida Hall
February 14 - Valentine’s Day
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church
February 16 - Monday - President’s Day
SUNDAY:
8:00 AM
87-227 St. John’s Rd.
Waianae, HI 96792
February 17 - Tuesday - Shrove Tuesday - Pancake supper
Sumida Hall - 6:30 PM - watch for more details!
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
SUNDAY:
10:00 AM
1679 California Ave.
Wahiawa, HI 96786
St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church
SUNDAY:
8:00 AM
@Christ’s Gathering Place
939 Moanalua Rd.
Aiea, HI 96701
Email: sttimsoffice@hawaiiantel.net
February 18 - Wednesday - Ash Wednesday Services
Christ’s Gathering Place - Noon
St. Stephen’s - Noon
St. Philip’s - 7:00 PM
St. Nicholas - 7:00 PM @ CGP
There will be no service at IPA.
April 11 - Saturday - Sexual Misconduct Prevention Training @ Christ’s Gathering Place - time TBA
Bring friends and Family!
Meeting Schedule for ECWO 2015
1st Tuesday of the month? ECWO Ministry
Meeting 6:30pm in Sumida Hall
1st Wednesday of the month St. Philip Bishop’s
Committee, 6:30pm (postponed in Feb due to
conflict TBA)
2nd Tuesday of the month - ECWO Council
6:30pm in Sumida Hall
2nd Wednesday of the month St. Timothy’s
Bishop’s Committee - 6:30pm
3rd Tuesday of the month St. Stephen’s
Bishop’s Committee - 6:30pm (February postponed to 4th week due to Shrove Tuesday)
3rd Wednesday of the month St. Nicholas
Bishop Committee - 6:30pm (February postponed to 4th week due to Ash Wednesday