![]() Doing the right thing is often not easy. Standing up and affirming the right thing is even harder and often comes with "consequences." Last week, because of the Episcopal Church's commitment to support the rights of all couples to be married in the Church, the Anglican Communion responded by levying "consequences" upon the Episcopal Church. In summary, for the next three years, the Episcopal Church will have a limited role in the Anglican Communion and cannot represent the Communion in ecumenical and interfaith bodies. Tension and strife is not new to the Christian Church and the people of God. In reality, as humans, we live in a constant state of "push and pull." If tension and strife did not exist in the Early Church, Paul would have been quickly out of business as an "epistle" writer and evangelist. Remember, the Church was created by God, but is run by human hearts and minds. As Christians, we are called to see tension and strife as an opportunity--an opportunity for greater understanding, an opportunity for greater mutual respect, an opportunity for reconciliation, an opportunity to emulate Christ, and an opportunity to share God's love. Archbishop Philip Richardson, Primate of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand, and Polynesia, offered the most profound reflection upon the recent decision by the Anglican Communion when he said: "In reality, though, we were all losers - because we are still fractured, broken, still inclined to mistrust. But we are committed to staying with each other. We are committed to walking together, to trying to see through each other's eyes, to stepping into each other's worlds, and to keeping on keeping on until mutual understanding grows." Both our faith and life teaches us: When we stop understanding, we all lose. When we stop cultivating mutual respect, we all lose. When we stop working toward reconciliation, we all lose. When we stop emulating Christ, we all lose. When we stop sharing God's love, we all lose. "Above all, maintain constant love for one another." (1 Peter 4:8a) Respectfully in the love of Christ, The Reverend Ryan D. Newman Rector and Head of School
4 Comments
![]() Small Churches Thriving This year, the theme "Thrive" is front-and-center within our All Saints' culture. What are the characteristics of a thriving Church? Can small Churches thrive in America's changing religious landscape? Cathy Lynn Grossman, a senior national correspondent for the Religious News Service, wrote a great article earlier this month entitled: "Tiny churches, big hopes: Why some thrive despite the odds." The article was picked up nationally by many major print media publications. The article looks at the challenges and opportunities confronting America's smaller Churches. We commend this article to our 'Ohana, especially as we prepare for our Annual Meeting and continue to cultivate All Saints' as a community of faith that lives to thrive! To view the article, click here. ![]() School is in Session for this Master Teacher After retiring from a long and distinguished teaching career on the mainland, Joe Adorno was a little hesitant about returning to the classroom earlier this fall at Kapaa Elementary School. However, his third grade class took quickly to "Mr. Adorno's" teaching style and his enthusiasm for the classroom. Joe had to quickly master new technologies and updated curriculums. "I'm excited about trying some new things, new approaches, new ideas," says Joe. His hard work and dedication paid off last month. Joe was named "Teacher of the Month" at Kapaa Elementary School. The award came with a beautiful lei, certificate, and a $50 gift certificate. "My goal is to foster and nurture my students so that they can grow toward their full potential" says Joe. "So blessed to have this opportunity. Going to be a great school year!" Congratulations Joe! This article appeared in the January 14, 2016 edition of "The Epistle"
Japanese Dance Classes Launch at All Saints' ![]() "Japanese dance class was a success" said participant Courtney Kostka. "I don't think I am going to get Hannah out of her kimono!" Six others joined Courtney and Hannah Kostka at the inaugural class on Monday, January 11. The class is the brainchild of Carolyn Morinishi. The classes are free and will run Mondays and Wednesdays in January, March, and May. All ages are welcome to participate in the classes. Carolyn grew up in Kapaa and now resides most of the year, with her husband Ron, in Southern California where they are members at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Los Angeles. The first class offered the opportunity to learn some basic dances. The class also featured Carolyn sharing a liturgical dance set to "Silent Night." It is one of the many liturgical dances that Carolyn has choreographed, taught, and performed at St. Mary's. "They all seem excited to have a dance like that at All Saints," said Carolyn. She is hoping to offer a liturgical dance at a Christmas service and other church services and events. Mahalo to Carolyn for sharing her gift of Japanese Dance with her Kauai Church 'Ohana. For more information on the class, click here. This article appeared in the January 14, 2016 edition of "The Epistle"
Daughters of the King Host a Special Pre-Lenten Session Thursday, January 28, 7:00PM - Memorial Hall
"Mana o' lana" Daughters of the King at All Saints'
|
BLOG Archive
November 2023
|