August Newsletter

​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