​Dear St. John’s, 
January seems to have gone in a flash! We come to the close of the season of Epiphany, and begin to think about Lent – which this year falls on Valentine’s Day, February 14th. Epiphany is a season of growing light, and Lent is often a penitential season – one of confession and giving something up as a sacrifice to God. 
Bishop Dave, from the ELCA, had a fabulous suggestion – rather than give something up for Lent this year, might you commit to a daily practice of telling someone you love them? It could be the same person each day, or perhaps you spread the love around, and tell a friend each day that you love them. There is really nothing more God asks from us than our love. 
 
                        Rev Jazzy
            
Mahalo
Mahalo nui to all who come together each week and make St. John’s your home. Thank you to our acolytes and musicians, who lead us in worship. Thank you to Loretta and Sean for set up and clean up each week. Thank you to Loretta, May, Aiza, and Alana for counting our offerings each week. It takes all of us to be church together!
 
Ash Wednesday Service
Ash Wednesday is also on Valentine’s Day, February 14th! Our service will be at 7pm at St. John’s. We hope this will make it late enough for you to come after work. The service will be short, a way to mark the beginning of our Lenten season, and be reminded of our mortality. 
 
Annual Meeting Elections
At our Annual Meeting on January 21st we bid farewell to Ikaika and Kuuipo as Bishops Commitee members, and welcomed in Alana and Nalu. We also elected delegates to our Diocesan Convention – Nalu, Chabrynne, and Mary Elizabeth. We also elected Jordan and U’i as alternates. Thank you to all who are willing to serve!
 
KHOKA’s Thrift Store
Did you know that Ka Hana o Ke Akua has a small thrift shop? They put out clothes and household items that have been donated during their worship each Sunday, and whose in need come by and take what they can use. If you have anything to donate, you can coordinate drop off with me or with Kahu Bree directly, 317-690-1804. 
 
Bible Study
With the New Year, the Bible study group I lead at St. John’s has decided to try something a little bit different. We will be meeting on Mondays at 5:30pm, either in person at St John’s or over zoom, and we will be studying each book of the Bible individually, beginning with Genesis. Please feel free to join us! If you’d like the ZOOM link, please ask me. 
 
February Birthdays
4 Dwight Mokiao
15 Ku’uipo Saturno
22 Rita Natividad
24 Pomaikai Akiona
26 Kahiau Akiona-Ching
 
Mark your calendars
Kids Klub: February 13th and 27th
Bishop’s Committee Meeting: February 20th
Potluck: February 25th
 
Other Important Dates:
Ash Wednesday
            5pm service at Maluhia
            7pm service at St John’s 

​Dear St. John’s,  
Hau’oli Makahiki Hou! I hope you’ve all had some time to pause and reflect on 2023, and set some intentions for 2024. As I’ve thought about our shared life together, I feel confident that the Spirit is leading us and that some awesome things await us in this year. 
                        Rev Jazzy
            
Mahalo
Mahalo nui loa to all who were a part of our Christmas Parade and Ice Skating adventure! Thank you to all who were a part of our Advent and Christmas Eve services, including set up, clean up, serving communion, collecting the offering, playing music, and counting the money. It surely takes all of us to make church together! 
 
Annual Meeting 
Our Annual Congregational Meeting will be January 21st, immediately following worship. There will be reports from me, from Debbie as our Bishop’s Warden and from Kanoa as our Junior Warden. There are also two opportunities to serve St. John’s. The first is as a Bishop’s Committee member, serving a 3 year term. We are saying goodbye to Ikaika and Kuuipo and need to replace them! The second is as a delegate or alternate to Diocesan Convention, which is a one day commitment in October. Let me know if you are interested in either! 
 
Kahu Bree’s Installation at Ka Hana O Ke Akua             
Bree will be getting installed as the pastor at KHOKA, and everyone is welcome to attend in celebration! The service will be on Saturday, January 27th, at 10am. 
 
Bible Study
We will be meeting on Mondays at 5:30pm, either in person at St John’s or over zoom, and we will be studying each book of the Bible individually, beginning with Genesis. Come whenever you’re able!
 
Rev Jazzy on Retreat 
I will be out of the office and on the Annual Episcopal clergy retreat at Camp Mokuleia Monday, January 29th till Wednesday, January 31st. I will be reachable but out of the office, tending to my spirit. I hope you find some time to do the same!
 
January Birthdays 
20 Seanya Mokiao                  21 Makamae Thibodeaux
 
Mark your calendars
Kids Klub: Tuesday January 16th and 30th
Bishop’s Committee Meeting:  Tuesday January 16th at 6pm
Annual Meeting January 21st              **Bible study resumes, Monday January 8th, 5:30pm.  

​Dear St. John’s, 
Advent is a season of waiting. When I was a kid, that always felt like an interminable waiting for Christmas to come, for my stocking to be filled, and for it to be time to open gifts! As an adult, I feel like I am waiting for packages to arrive, waiting in line for stamps to mail cards, or waiting for a spot in the parking lot. I think it was more fun when I was a kid! 
This year is my first Christmas with a child in our home, and at times I have been overwhelmed by the pressure to make the season magical. I want Theo to have the best Christmas ever! A few mornings ago I got up before I heard him calling out on the monitor, and took some time to pray. I was reminded that the magic of the season doesn’t come from getting the right toys, or having a beautiful tree, or sending out Christmas cards on time. The magic comes from God – from the magical story of a baby who fulfills God’s promises to us, and wise men who follow a star, and young parents who trust in the wisdom of their dreams. 
As you wait this season, no matter where it may be, I hope it is with the calm assurance that you are waiting for God’s magic, and not your own. If we simply stay open to it, that magic arrives – exactly on time. 
                                    Rev Jazzy
 
 
Mahalo
Mahalo to all who have signed up to be a part of our Christmas Parade contingent; to Loea and Bill for providing music each week; to our acolytes and those who step into the aisle to help me with the gospel reading; to Kuuipo for desigining and ordering our banner for the Christmas Parade; to everyone for pitching in and stepping up. Thank you for being a part of our church ‘ohana, and for all you do to make it so beautiful. 
 
Ice Palace Huaka’i
On December 3rd, from 1:30-3:30, join in a time of fellowship and come to the Ice Palace with your church ‘ohana! Let me know if you are coming to hang out, or coming to skate. The church will cover the costs of our outing. 
 
Christmas Parade 
We will be participating in the Waianae Christmas Parade on Saturday December 9th. It’s not too late to join! The parade starts at 10 so we will gather at 8am to get our place in line and get organized. 
 
Blue Christmas
We have been invited to participate in the Blue Christmas service alongside Ka Hana O Ke Akua. The service will be on Wednesday, December 20th at 5pm at Pokai Bay. Blue Christmas is traditionally a service to recognize any feelings of grief that come up around the holidays. Often, we miss loved ones who are no longer with us. The hallmark holiday sheen that Christmas has absorbed doesn’t leave a lot of space for hard or bad feelings. Blue Christmas gives us a hallowed space to invite God into all of our hearts – even the complicated parts of our hearts. All are invited to come, and bring your own towel or chair for the beachside service. 
 
Christmas Eve 
Christmas Eve this year falls on a Sunday, which means there will be two opportunities to come to church! At our morning service we will celebrate the fourth Sunday of Advent, and in the evening our service will be a Lessons and Carols model of gathering. Both will offer ways to enter into the joy of Jesus during this Christmas season, and be reminded that the true gift we receive is in God’s grace. Invite a friend (or two!) to come with you and hear the beautiful story of light coming into the world. 
 
December Birthdays 
26 Kia’i Saturno
 
Mark your calendars
Kids Klub: Tuesday December 12th
Bishop’s Committee Meeting:  NONE this month
Potluck: Sunday December 31st   
 
**Bible study will be on sabbath until 2024.** 
 
Other Important Dates
Christmas Parade Saturday December 9th at 10am
Christmas Eve service Sunday December 24th at 10:30pm

Dear St. John’s, 
November is all about gratitude. With Thanksgiving around the corner, we are reminded to step back from our lives and take note of all the many ways God shows up for us – of all the many things we have to be thankful for. Here are a few things I am thankful for recently. 
The cool breeze in the morning. The sound of Theo’s laughter. Moments of quiet in my office. A meeting with my spiritual director. Time with family. Seeds sprouting in my garden. Bees pollinating our lime tree. My daily cup of tea. Walking Pua. All of you. 
Even as I made the list, there were so many other things that popped to my mind. Because gratitude is like that – a muscle we strengthen as we use it, or a skill we build as we practice it. The more you sit back and reflect on what to be grateful for, the more things you will see as gifts in your life. I wish you a season of gratitude – of remembering that every day, we have many gifts from God. 
                                    Rev Jazzy
 
 
Mahalo
Mahalo to Mary Elizabeth and Jordan for being our representatives to the Diocesan Annual Meeting; to Debbie for being responsible for picking up and dropping off the black folder with our accountant, Jazz; to everyone for making such an effort at our Trunk or Treat; and to all who have signed up to be a part of our Christmas Parade contingent. Thank you for being a part of our church ‘ohana, and for all you do to make it so beautiful. 
 
Diocesan Convention
At our Convention this year we had five resolutions. The first was one we always expect - on raising clergy compensation to keep up with the rate of inflation. The second was similar, one we always pass - the budget. The third and fourth were both about establishing more permanent relationships with the Diocese of Guam and Micronesia, respectively. And the last was one from the floor, which had the most discussion - calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. All resolutions passed, and you can find their exact wording on our Diocesan website. 
 
Continuing Education Update
As you know, Bible study has been on sabbath during this month to facilitate some ongoing learning for me. I signed up for a class through my seminary that was held on Tuesdays, 4-6am. As predicted, by Theo’s bedtime my brain wasn’t moving too quickly! The class was titled, “Innovation on the Daring Way”, taught by the Rev Dr. Hilary Raining. It was using Brene Brown’s research, and leading from vulnerability. Mostly, I appreciated the time to pour into myself and my ministry. I’m excited to see what seeds this course may have planted in me! 
 
Ice Palace Huaka’i
On December 3rd, from 1:30-3:30, join in a time of fellowship and come to the Ice Palace with your church ‘ohana! Let me know if you are coming to hang out, or coming to skate. The church will cover the costs of our outing. 
 
November Birthdays 
3 Chabrynne Kekua and Puamaeole Cook
 
Mark your calendars
Kids Klub: Tuesday November 14th and Tuesday November 28th
Bishop’s Committee Meeting:  Tuesday November 21st at 6pm
Potluck: Sunday November 26th  
 
**Bible study will be on sabbath until 2024.** 
 
Other Important Dates
Christmas Parade Saturday December 9th at 10am
Christmas Eve service Sunday December 24th at 10:30pm

​Dear St. John’s, 
I read awhile back about a study done with kids – they were given a choice between two marshmallows. They were exactly the same – same size, came from the same package, etc – but the interviewer called one of them special. The children were given a choice between the two marshmallows – and time after time, child after child, they chose the special one. I mean, it makes sense, right? We all want something special! 
The thing is, without reminding ourselves regularly, we can fall into a trap where nothing is special. We have no parent or interviewer to point out that something is special – and so everything starts to look regular. 
At Maluhia a few weeks ago, our altar candle was replaced with a glittery one – and with just a small change, I was reminded that the altar is special; eucharist is special; our time spent together in worship is special. Beloved, we are surrounded with special things – even and especially when they hide in the ordinary. May you be reminded, with or without glitter. 
                         Rev Jazzy
 
 
Mahalo
Mahalo to Aunty May for going through and organising our files; to May, Loretta, Debbie, and Alana who count and record our money each week; to the Mokiao ‘ohana for setting up faithfully each week. Thank you for being a part of our church ‘ohana, and for all you do to make it so beautiful. 
 
Pet Blessing 
Mark your calendar! October 8th is our pet blessing Sunday, in honor of St Francis. Bring your feathered, finned, furry friends with you to church for a blessing. Our service will be shorter than usual, to accommodate our pet friends. 
 
Diocesan Convention
The end of this month holds Education Day and Diocesan Convention. Please pray for our delegates and alternates, Mary, U’i, Jade, Chabrynne, Nalu, and me. The day can be long and full of business – pray that we have the wisdom to vote well in service to God! And, if you are interested in attending the Education Day please let Rev Jazzy know – the more the merrier! 
 
Trunk or Treat 
Invite your friends and get your best costumes ready for our Trunk or Treat after church on Sunday October 29th! It’s also our potluck day, so there will be a lot of food, fellowship, and fun. It’s a great way to bring someone new to church! 
 
Ice Palace Huaka’i
On December 3rd, from 1:30-3:30, join in a time of fellowship and come to the Ice Palace with your church ‘ohana! Let me know if you are coming to hang out, or coming to skate. The church will cover the costs of our outing. 
 
Waianae Christmas Parade
There is a Waianae Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 9th! This might be a way to evangelise and spread awareness of our church! I want to see if we can get enough people signed up to walk / ride in the parade. Please talk to me if you are interested! 
 
October Birthdays 
8 Kula’ila’i Akiona
13 Ikaika Akiona
20 Kuano’o Thibodeaux
22 Konopiliahi Thibodeaux
 
Mark your calendars
Kids Klub: Tuesday October 17th and Tuesday October 31st
Bishop’s Committee Meeting:  Tuesday October 17th at 6pm
One Pot One Hope : Saturday October 28th
Potluck: Sunday October 29th
 
**Bible study will be on sabbath until 2024.** 
 
Other important Dates
Diocesan Convention October 21-22

​Dear St. John’s, 
When I met with my spiritual director this month, she said something that really stuck with me. She said, “God is always coming over to visit us – but a lot of the time we’re just not home. We’re probably out buying a book on spirituality, or getting into a debate about God”. What she meant was just that all it takes to have a meaningful relationship with God is the time and space to do so. We have to clear the clutter, and unplug, to let God pour into us. 
For me, clearing the clutter means closing my screen and leaving my phone inside while I take a walk, or pull weeds in the garden. I’ve been working on using my breath and awareness to come back to myself during the day, too, even when I’m in the middle of work. God is always with us – it’s up to us to plug into that stream of consciousness – to become aware of the Spirit. 
       Rev Jazzy
 
Mahalo
Mahalo to our Bishop’s Committee for the leadership and decisions you make; to Debbie for leading as our faithful Bishop’s Warden; to Chabrynne and Nalu for watching the hall during our first rental; and to all who helped as part of our parish workday. Thank you for being a part of our church ‘ohana, and for all you do to make it so beautiful. 
 
Pet Blessing 
Mark your calendar! October 8th is our pet blessing Sunday, in honor of St Francis. Bring your feathered, finned, furry friends with you to church for a blessing. Our service will be shorter than usual, to accommodate our pet friends. 
 
Reverse Advent Calendar
Looking forward, we have our regular Reverse giving calendar project with Maluhia. During the month of December there will be items to collect that we donate to Hale Na’au Pono. When our list is confirmed I will share it with you, in case you want to start collecting early. 
 
Hall Rental Update
Our hall rentals are up and running! Keep spreading the word – the extra income is awesome for our church! So far we’ve had one rental and have three more scheduled before the end of the year! 
 
September Birthdays 
7 Deborah Tandal
8 Jordan Natividad
15 Loea Akiona
16 Leone Holokai-Magallenes
18 Loretta Mokiao
 
Mark your calendars
Kids Klub: Tuesday, September 12th and Tuesday, September 26th  
Bishop’s Committee Meeting: Tuesday, September 19th  
One Pot One Hope : Saturday, September 30th
Potluck: Sunday, September 24th   
 
**Rev Jazzy will be on Big Island September 3-8** 
 
Other important Dates
Parish Workdays: 
October 1
 
Diocesan Convention October 21-22

​Dear St. John’s ‘ohana, 
 
As we go back to school and see the end of summer, I’ve been spending some time thinking about and planning the year ahead. What would you like to see in our worship? In the last few months we’ve experimented with live music, offered by Rocky and Sally. We’ve talked about having a folk service led by ukulele’s. What else is your heart hungry for? What might you be able to bring to our church ‘ohana? God speaks in many ways, so if you have an idea or a hunger for something please talk to me about it!
 
Rev Jazzy
 
Mahalo
Mahalo to everyone who contributed to our school supplies drive, both through physical donations and through helping us to pack and deliver them; to the Kekua ‘ohana for joining in our end of summer splash at Maluhia; to the faithful bible study group who meets weekly to walk through the Word and try to listen for God’s voice. Thank you for being a part of our church ‘ohana, and for all you do to make it so beautiful. 
 
Back to School Blessing 
For Students: Loving God, thank you for new beginnings, for the new school year, and for the opportunity to learn and to grow.  For all those returning to school, grant them wisdom as they learn new things and grow more into the people that you have created them to be.  May they discover new things about your world and about themselves.  May their friendships be strong.  May they be confident in your love.  May they seek you first above all things and may all they do be done in love. Grant them the courage, the wisdom, the perseverance, the curiosity, and the kindness that they will need for this new school year. Amen.
For Teachers: God of wisdom, thank you for the gift of teachers and educators.  May they be filled with your wisdom, your grace, and your strength this year as they nurture our children.  When they feel unseen, remind them that you are the God who sees us and the God who hears us.  Grant them comfort in their troubles, confidence in their strengths, and joy in their interactions with others.  May they run and not grow weary; may they walk and not grow faint.  Above all, may they trust in you, and may they see how their dedication impacts many generations.  Amen. 
For Parents: Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of our children.  Thank you for the joy and the challenge that they bring to each day.  As they return to school, please keep our children safe from harm, from injury, and from the culture’s pace and expectations.  Help them to grow into the people that you created them to be.  Help us to delight in the things that bring them joy, to strengthen them when they stumble, and to encourage them when they lose confidence.  Help us to be beacons of your light and your love, to be godly examples for our children.  Calm our hearts when we feel anxious, and comfort us when we feel overwhelmed.  Above all, help us to raise our children up so that they might know and love you.  Amen.
The 49th anniversary of the Philadelphia 11 
Unless you are a major church geek, chances are you haven’t heard of the “Philadelphia 11”. They were the first women to be ordained in the Episcopal Church, on July 29, 1974. They were ordained before General Convention had voted to approve women’s ordination – meaning the Bishop who ordained them was acting against the teachings of the church. But, I believe, he was acting with God, seeing in these women that they, too, had something to offer the church. I am grateful for these brave women who paved the way, and for all of those who have had to break the rules to follow Christ. 
 
August Birthdays 
11 Jade Stark and Michele Nakapalau
13 Chablis Kekua
19 Kuena Akiona
30 Kuali’i Akiona
 
Mark your calendars
Kids Klub: Tuesday, August 15th and Tuesday, August 29th
Bishop’s Committee Meeting: Tuesday, August 22nd
One Pot One Hope : Saturday, August 26th
Potluck: Sunday, August 27th
Parish Workday: August 27th
 
**Rev Jazzy will be on Kauai for clergy retreat August 14-16** 
 
Other important Dates
Parish Workdays: 
August 27th
October 1
 
Diocesan Convention October 21-22

​
 
A Blessing for Waking Up to Summer
 
Blessed are we, beginning to feel some release
From pandemic constraints,
From the long sad season of anxious vigilance,
The boredom and frustration of plans deferred.
 
There is new ground appearing, and paths we didn’t know were there.
 
Blessed are we who say, okay!
But God, you’re going to need to help me wake up, the music,
The movement and the color of living,
The wonder of the lily, the mystery and power of the tiniest seed,
Cracked open, doing what it was always destined to do. Bloom.
 
Blessed are we who say, wake me too God, I’m awake.
 
“Wonder if the heaviest element on the periodic table. Even a tiny fleck of it stops time.” – Diane Ackerman
 
Put yourself where love and beauty can reach you.
That’s the summer for you.
             
                                                Kate Bowler, Blessings for the Lives we Actually Have  
 
Mahalo
Mahalo to our musicians who provide such gorgeous music each week; to Aunty May for organising the food pantry; and to everyone for bringing what you can to share for potluck once a month. Thank you for being a part of our church ‘ohana, and for all you do to make it so beautiful. 
 
Lay Preaching
Do you have good news to share? Ever wondered what it’s like to preach a sermon? A few weeks ago, I asked if any one had ever felt called to being a lay preacher. I was serious! The Episcopal Church allows for lay preachers – that is, for non-ordained people to get up and share a sermon. Maybe you’d like to share about your journey of faith, or maybe you have a favorite bible passage you’d like to preach on. Talk to me for more information!
 
School Supplies Drive
This is the last month to contribute to our joint school supplies drive, in conjunction with Maluhia. We will be donating to Kamaile Academy, Makaha Elementary, Waianae Elementary, and Leihoku Elementary. Keep an eye on the sales! We will be collecting through the end of July – whatever you have to share will be appreciated!
 
Kids going to EYE
Aiza, Kia’i, Kaimalu, Jordan, and Jade will be representing Hawaii at the Episcopal Youth Event this year! We have raised enough money through our NOMS and t-shirt fundraisers that our families do not have to pay. Hooray! Our teens will be gone from July 3 through July 12 – please pray for them both at EYE and then during their mission work in Washington DC. May their faith grow in this time away!
 
Church Biz Conference
On Saturday, July 29th, the Diocesan Support Center is hosting a “Church Biz” conference – a day of workshops on the business of the church. It will be at the Cathedral of St Andrew, 9am-2pm. Interested in attending? Let me know and we’ll get you signed up! 
 
July Birthdays 
5 Rev Jazzy
13 Alana Akiona and Chynne Kekua
18 Randy Tandal
 
Mark your calendars
Kids Klub: Tuesday, July 11th and Tuesday, July 25th  
Bishop’s Committee Meeting: Tuesday, July 18th   
One Pot One Hope : Saturday, July 29th   
Potluck: Sunday, July 30th
 
Other important Dates
Parish Workdays: 
August 6
October 1
 
Diocesan Convention October 21-22

​Dear St. John’s ‘ohana, 
My garden teaches me so many lessons. It’s a place where Go is often trying to teach me lessons – I learn about patience, and about faithfulness, and about abundance when I spend time digging weeds and planting seeds. 
            Recently, I’ve been learning about zinnias. I planted zinnias a few months ago, and I was. . . satisfied with how they looked when they came up. They bloomed and died, and I went to pull them out. When I did, I was surprised to find that there were zinnia seedlings coming up in the spaces between the dead plants! I hadn’t seeded them – but they just appeared! Now, the second crop of these flowers are starting to bloom – and they are so much brighter and more robust than the first. After reading about them, I found that the more they are cut back the more they thrive. 
            I’ve been reflecting on those lessons, and I think I have some takeaways. Sometimes, our first effort is just the first one – wait awhile, start again – the second try will be better. Sometimes, in order to grow full we need to pare back. Where might God be pruning you, or your life, so that you can really thrive? 
                                                Rev Jazzy
 
Mahalo
Mahalo to our acolytes who faithfully serve at the altar; to our keiki who share where you have seen God this week; to our parents who bring your children to worship and manage their needs while trying to pray. Mahalo to all of you for adopting Theo on Sunday mornings, and for being so understanding as I juggle parenting with priesthood. Thank you for being a part of our church ‘ohana, and for all you do to make it so beautiful. 
 
School Supplies Drive
We are having a joint school supplies drive, in conjunction with Maluhia. We will be donating to Kamaile Academy, Makaha Elementary, Waianae Elementary, and Leihoku Elementary. Keep an eye on the sales! We will be collecting through the end of July. 
 
Fundraiser for kids going to EYE
We are still selling NOMS candy to help get five of our teenagers to Baltimore, Maryland, for the Episcopal Youth Event this July. So far, our teens are about halfway there – they’ve sold 750 bags of sweets! Each bag is $5, and they are delicious! Of course, you can also donate without buying the candies, and every little bit counts. Our fundraised dollars are going to help the families pay their portion of travel. 
 
Hall for Rent at St John’s
As you know, we’ve taken over the Hall rental, and Holoholo Tackle is taking calls and inquiries. Do you know someone who might want to rent the space? Spread the word about this venue to increase our bookings and increase our income!
 
 
June Birthdays 
2 Jasmine Natividad   
15 Jasmine Akiona     
26 Chaynne-Brynne Kekua    
29 Drew and Randy Tandal 
30 Margaret Gaspar Magno and Chevis Kekua
 
Mark your calendars
Kids Klub: Tuesday, June 13th and Tuesday, June 27th  
Bishop’s Committee Meeting: Tuesday, June 20th  
One Pot One Hope : Saturday, June 24th  
Potluck: Sunday, June 25th
 
Other important Dates
Parish Workdays: 
August 6
October 1
 
Diocesan Convention October 21-22