Sesquicentennial: O'ahu - The Grand Celebration
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012
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Opening Ceremonies O'ahu's weekend celebration officially kicked off in Tenney Theater at the Cathedral of St. Andrew, at 9:00 am on Friday, November 9, 2012. Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick opened this historic celebratory weekend and introduced the Presiding Bishop, The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, and her husband, Dr. Richard Schori. They were showered with beautiful leis and gifts presented by the Bishop's Office and churches in the Dicoese.
A number of honored guests from around the globe also received leis and gifts, that included The Most Rev. Ephraim Fajutagana, Obispo Maximo XII, Iglesia Filipina Independiente; past Bishops of the Diocese of Hawai'i, the Rt. Rev. Donald Hart, Third Bishop of Hawai'i with his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Hart, and The Rt. Rev. Richard Chang, Fourth Bishop of Hawai'i and his wife, Mrs. Dee Chang; The Rt. Rev. David Lai, Bishop of Taiwan and Mrs. Lily Lai; The Rt. Rev. John Gray, Vicar General from Te Pihopatanga O Aotearoa New Zealand; Mr. Charles Hemana, General Manager, Bishopric of Aotearoa; the Sesquicentennial's Chaplain, Dr. Jenny Plane-Te Paa, Dean of Te Rau Kahikatea College of St. John The Evangelist, Auckland, New Zealand; and The Rt. Rev. Raul Tobias, Bishop-In-Charge, Diocese of Western USA & Canada, Iglesia Filipina Independiente.
A number of honored guests from around the globe also received leis and gifts, that included The Most Rev. Ephraim Fajutagana, Obispo Maximo XII, Iglesia Filipina Independiente; past Bishops of the Diocese of Hawai'i, the Rt. Rev. Donald Hart, Third Bishop of Hawai'i with his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Hart, and The Rt. Rev. Richard Chang, Fourth Bishop of Hawai'i and his wife, Mrs. Dee Chang; The Rt. Rev. David Lai, Bishop of Taiwan and Mrs. Lily Lai; The Rt. Rev. John Gray, Vicar General from Te Pihopatanga O Aotearoa New Zealand; Mr. Charles Hemana, General Manager, Bishopric of Aotearoa; the Sesquicentennial's Chaplain, Dr. Jenny Plane-Te Paa, Dean of Te Rau Kahikatea College of St. John The Evangelist, Auckland, New Zealand; and The Rt. Rev. Raul Tobias, Bishop-In-Charge, Diocese of Western USA & Canada, Iglesia Filipina Independiente.
Songs were sung by different ethnic groups from our churches, representing just a few of the many diverse cultures of Hawai'i, including a spirited Filipino group, a powerful Tongan Choir and a lovely Chuukese Group.
The Presiding Bishop delivered a beautiful keynote address that spoke of the direction of the church and our diocese's role in it. She wove the history of our islands into her reflection and closed with a prayer of a young Polynesian from Vanuatu and a blessing "from the other side of the world."
Following the Presiding Bishop's address, Convention Chaplain, Dr. Jenny Te Paa, delivered a heartfelt speech. Dr. Te Paa, Principal of Te Rau Kahikatea at St. John's College in Auckland, New Zealand, was the first lay indigienous woman ever to be appointed as head of an Anglican Theological College, and has had a lifelong commitment to the Anglican faith.
The Presiding Bishop delivered a beautiful keynote address that spoke of the direction of the church and our diocese's role in it. She wove the history of our islands into her reflection and closed with a prayer of a young Polynesian from Vanuatu and a blessing "from the other side of the world."
Following the Presiding Bishop's address, Convention Chaplain, Dr. Jenny Te Paa, delivered a heartfelt speech. Dr. Te Paa, Principal of Te Rau Kahikatea at St. John's College in Auckland, New Zealand, was the first lay indigienous woman ever to be appointed as head of an Anglican Theological College, and has had a lifelong commitment to the Anglican faith.
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The O'ahu premiere showing of the video documentary Grace and Beauty: 150 Years of the Episcopal Church in Hawai'i followed, and then a break for lunch where folks were able to enjoy music and entertainment under the tent in Queen Emma Park, where a ministry fair was set up. The Rev. Paul Klitzke got things rocking with his band from St. Nicholas, In the Nick of Time. Other performers included the 'Iolani Hula Halau, Chukese Ladies Choir from St. Elizabeth's Church and Aunty Nicki from St. Matthew's Church. A number of non-profit outreach agencies such as IHS, FACE and Family Promise had booths as well as a variety of diocesan ministries, camps and churches sharing information on their different programs. An elaborate dragon made of recycled items was on display, created by the St. Andrew's Priory Middle School summer school students as part of their art project. The 'Iolani Guild, Hale Haumana (UH Campus Ministry) and Camp Mokule'ia were well represented, along with many other wonderful programs in our Diocese.
Fundraiser Lunch with the Presiding Bishop Taking place at the same time as the Ministry Fair, was a fundraising luncheon with the Presiding Bishop at the Pacific Club. Proceeds from the luncheon went to three beneficiaries: The Queen Emma Clinics, The St. Andrew's Priory Scholarship Fund and Waiolahui'la, the local Diocesan Formation Program for the Priesthood. These three causes are based on King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma's concerns for the body, mind and spirit of their people. Local newscaster, Mahealani Richardson, introduced Presiding Bishop Jefferts Schori. In a very candid moment, she fielded questions from guests where her wit and sense of humor were evident. Not many may know that she was an oceanographer before entering the priesthood, and when asked about the challenges of being a women in her role, she remarked that she had more problems being a female oceanographer. What brought her to ordained ministry from a field of research and academics? The Presiding Bishop shared that within a short period of time, three people had talked to her about the possibility, which eventually led her through a discernment process lasting five years!
Visit to the Priory After lunch, the Presiding Bishop made a special visit to St. Andrew's Priory, and met with the students in an assembly where they could ask questions. She left an indelible memory on many of the young girls, some of whom were pleasantly surprised to learn that a woman was the Presiding Bishop.
Back at the Cathedral, there was an encore showing of Grace and Beauty, and then a moving one-act play entitled Vespers at Hānaiakamālama, which first played on the Big Island as part of their Sesquicentennial celebration. The Rev. Moki Hino introduced the actress, Denyse Ockerman, who portrayed Queen Emma and received a standing ovation for her moving performance. Ockerman had paid her own way from the Big Island to O'ahu to be able to share her gift, and the audience responded generously.
Fundraiser Lunch with the Presiding Bishop Taking place at the same time as the Ministry Fair, was a fundraising luncheon with the Presiding Bishop at the Pacific Club. Proceeds from the luncheon went to three beneficiaries: The Queen Emma Clinics, The St. Andrew's Priory Scholarship Fund and Waiolahui'la, the local Diocesan Formation Program for the Priesthood. These three causes are based on King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma's concerns for the body, mind and spirit of their people. Local newscaster, Mahealani Richardson, introduced Presiding Bishop Jefferts Schori. In a very candid moment, she fielded questions from guests where her wit and sense of humor were evident. Not many may know that she was an oceanographer before entering the priesthood, and when asked about the challenges of being a women in her role, she remarked that she had more problems being a female oceanographer. What brought her to ordained ministry from a field of research and academics? The Presiding Bishop shared that within a short period of time, three people had talked to her about the possibility, which eventually led her through a discernment process lasting five years!
Visit to the Priory After lunch, the Presiding Bishop made a special visit to St. Andrew's Priory, and met with the students in an assembly where they could ask questions. She left an indelible memory on many of the young girls, some of whom were pleasantly surprised to learn that a woman was the Presiding Bishop.
Back at the Cathedral, there was an encore showing of Grace and Beauty, and then a moving one-act play entitled Vespers at Hānaiakamālama, which first played on the Big Island as part of their Sesquicentennial celebration. The Rev. Moki Hino introduced the actress, Denyse Ockerman, who portrayed Queen Emma and received a standing ovation for her moving performance. Ockerman had paid her own way from the Big Island to O'ahu to be able to share her gift, and the audience responded generously.
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Requiem Mass At 3:00 pm, a Requiem Mass was held in the Cathedral to honor those that have gone before us in these past 150 years, beginning with the Holy Sovereigns and concluding with the 2012 Necrology. The Mass featured the stirring music of the Requiem in D minor by Fauré with the St. Andrew's Choir directed by John Renke. In the opening Acclamation, the Very Rev. Walter Brownridge, Dean of the Cathedral, asked permission from Celebrant Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick to seat three new honorary canons; the Rev. Franklin Chun in the 'Iolani Chair, the Rev. Brian Grieves in the Po'omaikelani Chair, and the Rev. David Kennedy in the Fr. Kenneth A. Bray Chair, who was also the preacher. Concelebrants were Bishops Richard Chang and Donald Hart, with Assisting Celebrants Dean Walter Brownridge and Canon Liz Beasley.
Clergy Dinner The final event of the day was a Clergy Dinner with the Presiding Bishop at historic Washington Place. Bishop Fitzpatrick welcomed 125 clergy, spouses and honored guests, who mingled and feasted from a buffet served by Elite Catering. Key to hosting the event at this prominent venue were Louise (Gussie) Schubert, Vice President of the Washington Place Board, Cameron Heen, Event Planner for Washington Place, Corrine Chun, Curator, and the Docents of Washington Place, who provided the opportunity to enjoy this lovely home. Diocesan Archivist Stuart Ching shared treasures from Queen Lili'uokalani, and harpist, Sharene Taba, complemented the evening atmosphere with exquisite melodies... a fitting way to end a glorious day of celebration!
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2012
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Convention XLIV Saturday was dedicated to the 44th Annual Meeting of Convention which was held in Tenney Theater. The meeting opened with a beautiful duet by the Reverends Anna Joo and David Oh. Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori and other special guests were introduced and departed before the start of official business. While the meeting contained many of the usual orders of business including the election of officers and voting on the 2013 Budget and resolutions, there were special recognitions and resolutions to honor our heritage. The meeting flowed smoothly and maintained an air of camaraderie and celebration.
Presiding Bishop's Visitation While the Annual Meeting was taking place, the Presiding Bishop made a special visit to one of our congregations, St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church. Members immersed her in a culturally rich program of music, dance, food and fun! St. Elizabeth's is home to a large Pacific Islander Ministry, and Fane Lino, wife of the late Rev. Saimone Lino, and her family, helped arrange for the children involved in various aspects of the STEM programs, to show their wonderful work. A video, recorded and edited by the children, was also shown of the adults gardening at Magoon Estates. Four of St. Elizabeth's choirs: Ilocano, Chuukese, Youth and Tongan, sang their hearts out in the church which was followed by a colorful and lively show of dance featuring brightly colored costumes and dancers aged 3 to 90. A feast of succulent pig and dishes from around the Pacific Rim were shared with the Presiding Bishop before it was time to bid a fond aloha from all in attendance.
Presiding Bishop's Visitation While the Annual Meeting was taking place, the Presiding Bishop made a special visit to one of our congregations, St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church. Members immersed her in a culturally rich program of music, dance, food and fun! St. Elizabeth's is home to a large Pacific Islander Ministry, and Fane Lino, wife of the late Rev. Saimone Lino, and her family, helped arrange for the children involved in various aspects of the STEM programs, to show their wonderful work. A video, recorded and edited by the children, was also shown of the adults gardening at Magoon Estates. Four of St. Elizabeth's choirs: Ilocano, Chuukese, Youth and Tongan, sang their hearts out in the church which was followed by a colorful and lively show of dance featuring brightly colored costumes and dancers aged 3 to 90. A feast of succulent pig and dishes from around the Pacific Rim were shared with the Presiding Bishop before it was time to bid a fond aloha from all in attendance.
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A Taste of Grace and Beauty At 6:00 pm, the honored guests, clergy and convention delegates gathered together for a delectable event under the tent in Queen Emma Park. Food stations surrounded the perimeter of the tent, where chefs from the private sector and students from the culinary arts programs of several high schools served up a "taste" of delicious fare. Guests mingled and got to sample a variety of dishes with the unique palate of the islands. The culturally inspired cuisine featured fern shoots, tempura, grilled marinated pork and sa-teh, to name a few. Exquisite desserts were elaborately prepared, some that were almost too pretty to eat. Students from 'Iolani School acted as hosts and their performance band provided the entertainment with a great Big Band sound!
Bishop's Cross Awards The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Bishop's Cross Award, an honor given to lay members for their faithful service to the Episcopal Church and community. This year, there were four recipients who received the Bishop's Cross Award, which is a beautifully engraved Koa box. The recipients were: Rogelio Gonzales Evangelista from Good Shepherd Episcopal Church on Maui, Joyce Boknim Kim from St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Honolulu, Arthur Kunji Kusumoto of Holy Nativity Episcopal Church in Honolulu, and Mary Day Wilson from all Saints' Episcopal Church on Kaua'i.
Bishop's Cross Awards The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Bishop's Cross Award, an honor given to lay members for their faithful service to the Episcopal Church and community. This year, there were four recipients who received the Bishop's Cross Award, which is a beautifully engraved Koa box. The recipients were: Rogelio Gonzales Evangelista from Good Shepherd Episcopal Church on Maui, Joyce Boknim Kim from St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Honolulu, Arthur Kunji Kusumoto of Holy Nativity Episcopal Church in Honolulu, and Mary Day Wilson from all Saints' Episcopal Church on Kaua'i.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2012
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Closing Festive Eucharist The weekend's Sesquicentennial Celebration concluded with a Festive Eucharist in the Cathedral of St. Andrew on Sunday, November 11, 2012, beginning at 9:00 am. With most of the clergy of the diocese in attendance, arrangements were made to live-stream the historic service through the internet so that the entire Diocesan-wide church community could worship together.
With standing room only, the sounding of the pu (conch shell) marked the start of the service and the procession of acolytes, clergy and celebrants into the Cathedral. New kahilis made especially for this celebration flanked the Rev. Malcolm Chun as he led the procession with an oli.
Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori called the faithful to worship with the Opening Acclamation. What followed was a beautifully scripted service that represented the diverse cultures of our islands. The first reading was recited in Ilokano, by Lolita Peralta of St. Paul's Episcopal Church. The Psalm was chanted in Hawaiian by Debbie Nakanelua-Richards, and the second reading was read in Tongan by Fane Lino from the Pacific Islander Ministry.
Deacon Peter Wu was the Gospeller, as the Gospel lesson was read in five different languages by Malcolm Hee, member of Waiolahui'ia local priestly formation program, Good Samaritan (English); The Rev. Irene Maliaman, Archdeacon, Episcopal Church in Micronesia (Igorot); The Rev. Peter Wu, Deacon, Church of the Epiphany (Cantonese); The Rev. David Oh, Korean Missioner of The Lord's Blessing Mission (Korean); and Kaleo Patterson, Postulant for the Priesthood, St. Philip's (Hawaiian).
Intercessions were also read in five lanquages with responses of "We thank you, Lord," in Hawaiian. The Intercessors were Annalise Castro of St. Peter's (English), Maribel Duldulao of St. Paul's (Ilokano), Haesook Hahn of The Lord's Blessing Mission (Korean), Mimi Wu of St. Peter's (Cantonese), Fane Lino of Pacific Islander Ministry (Tongan), Inaria Maki of St. Elizabeth's (Chukkese) and Raymond Kaimi Ganotise, Church of the Epiphany (Hawaiian). The 'Iolani school dancers performed an elegant hula, with the girls dressed in red velvet muus.
The Presiding Bishop delivered a sermon so beautiful, it moved some to tears. She spoke of these islands with gentle grace, drawing connections to passages in the Bible and Jacob's dream. She talked of the Church in its early days, and had us imagining what it must have been like for King Kamehameha IV to worship in those grand English churches, ultimately inviting English missionaries to come to Hawai'i. When Henry VIII closed many churches and abbeys in the early years of Reformation, the Presiding Bishop talked about the ruins of those enormous monastaries, and how the stones were used for building materials for new structures.
"This house of prayer called the Episcopal Church in Hawai'i has been built of living stones in the same way – the strength of generations joined together with the adaptability of new ones," said the Presiding Bishop. "These stones aren’t joined together with inflexible mortar, nor are they set up like dry stone walls by the careful sorting and fitting that rejects stone after stone if it doesn’t quite 'fit.' This new house is built from a web of relationships that transform the members into a living organism, a body that works together for a purpose larger than itself. These stones become more than any individual might alone – they are re-created by their joining to this body."
With the service falling on Veteran's Day, she addressed its observance, giving thanks to those "living stones who have offered themselves in the pursuit of peace, those like Jesus himself who have been subject to the world's violence, injured or killed as a result."
In closing, she spoke of her visit with the members of St. Elizabeth's the day before, giving thanks to those "living stones in this Episcopal diocese" for their peace-building work. "The garden is being built one child, one family, one gardener at a time."
The clergy lined up on the steps of the Cathedral for a historic photo with the Presiding Bishop and our Bishop. Despite the warm weather, the Presiding Bishop remained there greeting all that waited for a chance to meet her, some visibly moved with tears flowing. Ever gracious and patient, she waited until the very last person was met.
With standing room only, the sounding of the pu (conch shell) marked the start of the service and the procession of acolytes, clergy and celebrants into the Cathedral. New kahilis made especially for this celebration flanked the Rev. Malcolm Chun as he led the procession with an oli.
Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori called the faithful to worship with the Opening Acclamation. What followed was a beautifully scripted service that represented the diverse cultures of our islands. The first reading was recited in Ilokano, by Lolita Peralta of St. Paul's Episcopal Church. The Psalm was chanted in Hawaiian by Debbie Nakanelua-Richards, and the second reading was read in Tongan by Fane Lino from the Pacific Islander Ministry.
Deacon Peter Wu was the Gospeller, as the Gospel lesson was read in five different languages by Malcolm Hee, member of Waiolahui'ia local priestly formation program, Good Samaritan (English); The Rev. Irene Maliaman, Archdeacon, Episcopal Church in Micronesia (Igorot); The Rev. Peter Wu, Deacon, Church of the Epiphany (Cantonese); The Rev. David Oh, Korean Missioner of The Lord's Blessing Mission (Korean); and Kaleo Patterson, Postulant for the Priesthood, St. Philip's (Hawaiian).
Intercessions were also read in five lanquages with responses of "We thank you, Lord," in Hawaiian. The Intercessors were Annalise Castro of St. Peter's (English), Maribel Duldulao of St. Paul's (Ilokano), Haesook Hahn of The Lord's Blessing Mission (Korean), Mimi Wu of St. Peter's (Cantonese), Fane Lino of Pacific Islander Ministry (Tongan), Inaria Maki of St. Elizabeth's (Chukkese) and Raymond Kaimi Ganotise, Church of the Epiphany (Hawaiian). The 'Iolani school dancers performed an elegant hula, with the girls dressed in red velvet muus.
The Presiding Bishop delivered a sermon so beautiful, it moved some to tears. She spoke of these islands with gentle grace, drawing connections to passages in the Bible and Jacob's dream. She talked of the Church in its early days, and had us imagining what it must have been like for King Kamehameha IV to worship in those grand English churches, ultimately inviting English missionaries to come to Hawai'i. When Henry VIII closed many churches and abbeys in the early years of Reformation, the Presiding Bishop talked about the ruins of those enormous monastaries, and how the stones were used for building materials for new structures.
"This house of prayer called the Episcopal Church in Hawai'i has been built of living stones in the same way – the strength of generations joined together with the adaptability of new ones," said the Presiding Bishop. "These stones aren’t joined together with inflexible mortar, nor are they set up like dry stone walls by the careful sorting and fitting that rejects stone after stone if it doesn’t quite 'fit.' This new house is built from a web of relationships that transform the members into a living organism, a body that works together for a purpose larger than itself. These stones become more than any individual might alone – they are re-created by their joining to this body."
With the service falling on Veteran's Day, she addressed its observance, giving thanks to those "living stones who have offered themselves in the pursuit of peace, those like Jesus himself who have been subject to the world's violence, injured or killed as a result."
In closing, she spoke of her visit with the members of St. Elizabeth's the day before, giving thanks to those "living stones in this Episcopal diocese" for their peace-building work. "The garden is being built one child, one family, one gardener at a time."
The clergy lined up on the steps of the Cathedral for a historic photo with the Presiding Bishop and our Bishop. Despite the warm weather, the Presiding Bishop remained there greeting all that waited for a chance to meet her, some visibly moved with tears flowing. Ever gracious and patient, she waited until the very last person was met.
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A Rookie Shepherd Blessed Although the Sesquicentennial event took an army to coordinate, organize and execute, one person had the wonderful opportunity of getting up close and personal with the Presiding Bishop and her husband, acting as chauffer and host. Louise Aloy, a member of Good Shepherd Church in Maui, shares an account of her very special experience in an article she wrote and entitled, A Rookie Shepherd Blessed.
