On Sept. 27, 2018 Daileen Barton represented All Saints’ in the national Episcopal Asiamerican Ministry (EAM) Consultation in Honolulu, Hawaii. The EAM brought together both American and international church members including congregates from Minnesota, California, and Canada. Together the Youth Group celebrated Christ and immersed themselves in various Asian and Polynesian cultural experiences.
Over the weekend they visited the University of Hawaii’s Cultural Center: Ka Papa Lo’i O Kanewai and to learn the Hawaiian culture and history of cultivating and caring for taro fields. They also visited the Polynesian Cultural Center to experience the various cultures of Polynesia. During culture night, the kids were able to perform both a Filipino and Polynesian dance and sing the Hawaiian Doxology. They were blessed with a sermon from Bishop Michael Curry, an inspirational speech from Rev. Gregory at St Mary’s at Mo’ili’ili, and a candlelight beach-side Compline. St. Mary’s received reusable bags for the homeless in their community made out of old t-shirts the kids prepped the night before. The EAM holds a national consultation every three years. Their last Consultation was in South Korea. Special thanks to Carolyn Morinishi for her hard work coordinating the Youth program and inviting All Saints’ to participate. To view more pictures and videos of the Consultation, please visit the EAM Youth Consultation Facebook Page or Ke Akua Instagram Page.
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 Peter Rabbit and Avengers: Infinity WarJoin us on September 22, 2018 as the Ke Akua Youth Group presents "Peter Rabbit" and "Avengers: Infinity War." The show will begin at sunset. Admission is free - donations welcome. There will be a concession stand with food and drinks for sale. Proceeds will go toward the keiki of Ke Akua Youth Group. Invite your friends and family! Interested in volunteering? We have lots of volunteer opportunities such as food donations, food serving, table setup, and breakdown. Contact Cami for more information.   Youth Service Day
On Sunday, August 5th the All Saintsʻ congregation witnessed a tremendous demonstration of dedication and enthusiasm as the eucharist was led by the Ke Akua Youth Group under the guidance of Rev. Ryan and Cami Pascua, our youth leader. The Youth helped plan the services and Daileen, Braden, and Raiden all wrote their own sermons. Due to other commitments that Sunday, Raiden couldnʻt attend but he still made sure Daileen could present his sermon to the congregation. Daileen and Braden were on hand to participate in the service by reading the lessons, delivering the sermons, and administering the eucharist. It was a moving experience for the congregation to have our worship led by such spiritual youth.  All Saintʻs Youth Sunday 2018 “was one of the most enjoyable and rewarding experiences in my 16 years of ordained ministry,” said Rev. Ryan. “The sermon offered by Daileen, Braden, and Raiden was tremendous!!! Personally, it was so powerful to guide the youth as they set the table for Eucharist and to have them serve communion. They worked so hard to plan, prep, and execute a beautiful Sunday of worship for our ‘Ohana.” Please enjoy a slideshow of the event by clicking on the link below. Youth Ministry Showcase On August 5, 2018, the Ke Akua Youth Group also kicked-off the weekly “Ministry Showcase” after the 9:30 a.m. service by presenting, distributing handouts, and answering questions about the ministry. Appropriately, this presentation occurred right after the All Saintsʻ Youth Sunday 2018 youth-led service. Visitors to the booth were encouraged to take a participation card and have it initialed to get a surprise gift once the card is filled. The card has 9 slots to fill, and 21 ministries will be showcased throughout the coming weeks. “A congregation member commented he was surprised we have so many ministries,” said Youth Minister Cami. “I was surprised when I first found out too. It’s one of the reasons why our Ministry Council decided to try this out -- to let everyone know we are here, who we are, what we do, and who can join if they’re interested.” Cami received a lot of encouraging feedback and comments from church members. Many said they hope their kids will join the ministry when their time comes. “I want to remind everyone that as long as the youth is in Middle School or High School they can join our ministry. They don’t need to be a part of this church or even be Episcopalian. Our youth are always encouraged to bring their friends to any of our events. Some kids just come when we have fun events. Some are curious about the bible or are excited about serving their community. I try to have a different flavor for everyone because they are all unique and at different levels of spiritual awareness," said Cami.
Any adults who may be interested in assisting future youth events are encouraged to join the Youth Support Group email where they’ll receive announcements of upcoming events, youth meeting updates, and volunteer opportunities.
Announcements and a calendar of events are also regularly updated on the Ke Akua Website. Please contact Cami for more information. On June 17, 2018, the Ke Akua Youth Group distributed handmade clay crosses in celebration and thanks to all the fathers that attended both Sunday services. All together, about 50 fathers were recognized and honored. Special thanks to Diane Tabura and the Ibanez family for their help. “Your hands fashioned and made me… Remember that you have made me like clay… You have granted me life and steadfast love, and your care has preserved my spirit.” -- Job 10:8-12
Happy Mother's Day! On May 13, 2018, the Ke Akua Youth Group distributed wrapped soaps and gift tags they prepared the week before in celebration and thanks to all the mothers that attended both Sunday services. All together, about 60 mothers were recognized and honored. Special thanks to Aunty Bara Sargent and Aunty Janis Wright for their help in making the soaps and providing the beautiful fabric and decorations. “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” -- Proverbs 31:29 In Other News… We would like to also take the time to say MAHALO to Uncle Steve Sargent for fixing the outlets in the Youth Room and Aunty Cathy Mikula for your donation of plastic eggs for next year’s Easter Egg Hunt.  Episcopal Asiamerican Ministries (EAM) Consultation 2018
The youth of All Saints Church are invited to attend the EAM Consultation at Ala Moana Hotel in Honolulu from September 27 to October 1, 2018. This year’s theme is “Piko: Celebrate Christ, Community, and Creation.” The EAM’s mission is “To enable, equip and empower ministries among Asian immigrants and Asian-Americans and help build bridges to Asia and beyond.” This consultation is an opportunity for youth from around the nation to come together for fellowship, fun, community service, and cultural exchange. Among the many scheduled activities is a presentation by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and an immersion trip to the Polynesian Cultural Center. Registration is filling up fast! If you are interested, but aren’t 100% certain about committing or still determining if you can make the dates, you are still encouraged to apply. You can always cancel your registration later. Payments will be collected at a later date when logistics are finalized. Please register by this Sunday, May 27, 2018. To register, please complete their online form HERE and let Aunty Cami know that you signed up so she can get a head count. Be sure to select “Quadruple Occupancy” and pay later by selecting the “check” method. As a reminder, you do not need to be Asian to attend. This is open to all interested youth. Thank you to Aunty Carolyn Morinishi for the invitation and assistance. To learn more about the event you can contact Cami or Carolyn. To learn more about the EAM please CLICK HERE to visit their website. After a month of planning, the Ke Akua Youth Group finally began their weekend of fun and service on April 20, 2018. They started their Friday night with Rock-N-Glow Bowling at the Lihue Bowling Alley, followed by a sleepover in the Youth Room at All Saints Gym, and taro farming the next day at Kealia Farms. Originally, the kids planned to help Kealia Farms by providing manpower to beautify the pathways along the fields. Kealia Farm owner “Uncle Adam” had a dream of being able to provide tours to educate visitors about their grassroots traditional sustainability efforts and methods through local farming and the Sunshine Market. However, due to the unfortunate flooding events that took place the Sunday before, the youth were offered a different opportunity that not only helped the local farmers of Kealia, but those in Hanalei, and the people of Niihau. Uncle Adam informed the kids that Hanalei Taro and Juice Co. usually send some of their taro harvest to the residents of Niihau - the neighboring island known for frequent droughts and no running water. The recent flood wiped out Hanalei Taro’s crop so Uncle Adam invited the kids to help their fellow farmers meet their supply demand. “With the whole process it usually takes about a year to plant, grow, and harvest taro,” said Uncle Adam. To think, Hanalei’s year-long efforts were gone in a matter of hours. Although the swiftness of the flood devastated Hanalei, speed was a welcomed gift from the Youth Group on Saturday. What would have been (at least) a two-hour job took the youth about 45 minutes to complete. For that, Uncle Adam was incredibly grateful. With their boots full of mud, they headed back to All Saints for a much deserved lunch and a chance to rinse and unwind with water balloon fights in the front lawn. Needless to say, they were too tired to do much else Sunday morning. Thus, the Bible Study session that was scheduled for April 22, 2018 has been moved to this Sunday, April 29, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. Aunty Cami would like to give all participants in this weekend’s event a big MAHALO for their fellowship and service. The Ke Akua Youth Group would like to give a big MAHALO to everyone who attended this year’s Easter Festival. With over 30 kids and their families, lots of games, prizes, and ono food, we were able to have another successful Event. If you are interested in viewing more pictures from the event, please feel free to visit the Ke Akua Website, News and Events Page. Would you like to contribute donations for future Easter Festivals? We are always in need of plastic eggs, small candies, and prizes. We would also love your feedback on how we can improve! Please contact Cami at cami@allsaintskauai.org to provide insights and comments. Mahalo! The Ke Akua Youth Group held their first meeting led by new Youth Minister Cami Pascua on February 11, 2018. During the meeting, the youth were asked to help re-establish the group structure and gave insight on what they wanted out of the Ministry. “I want to empower the youth by giving them choices. This is their Ministry. My main mission is to help turn their visions into tangible and realistic goals and for them to learn more about themselves intrapersonally along the way,” says Cami. Through consensual decision-making, the youth reformed the group Council, appointed a Youth Group Vestry Representative, brainstormed service project and outreach ideas, and requested to bring back Bible Study sessions. To wrap it all up, the youth were led outside to participate in what Cami hopes to be a new tradition for Youth Ministry called “The Labyrinth Walk.”  The object of the game is to break into teams of two. The “Walker” has to complete the labyrinth blindfolded. Their partner is the “Guide” who leads the Walker through the labyrinth without touching them. Two teams start at opposite ends of the labyrinth -- one in the center and the other at the beginning entrance. The first team to reach the opposite side wins the round. Then, the partners switch roles and they walk again. If the Walker steps on a line he needs to take two steps back before walking forward again. The first team to make it back to their start-point wins. Each new member is expected to walk the labyrinth. “I love the labyrinth that was created last year. Since its arrival at All Saints, parishioners of all ages have used it for personal and quiet reflection of their spiritual journeys and faith in God. I just put a fun twist on it for the kids so it also becomes a tool for team-building,” says Cami. “I explained to the kids: ‘Sometimes God puts important people (friends and loved ones) in our lives to help us through difficult times. The journey is long and uncertain. And sometimes for every step forward you feel like you are taking two steps back. But eventually, you will make it to the end and reach your goals.” Details on the origin of the Labyrinth can be found HERE. In the spirit of the Lenten Season, the @KeAkuaYouth instagram feed has started posting daily devotionals for viewers to follow. Both young and young-at-heart are encouraged to use these posts as a tool for personal reflection. If you are a Middle or High School student interested in attending the next Youth Group meeting, please join them on March 4, 2018 at 11:00AM. Among the various activities, the group will be practicing for the Youth Led Stations of the Cross service on Good Friday.  Other Youth News Highlights
(This article was also published in the All Saints Kauai Epistle on 03/03/18) The holiday season is probably my favorite time of year. I love Christmas music, Christmas cookies, Christmas lights, Christmas presents, Christmas movies... you get the idea. I am guilty of being the person who says, "It's Christmas!" the moment I'm done eating Thanksgiving dinner.
This year I’m challenging myself to not rush into Christmas. Don’t fret, I’m still listening to Christmas music and will gladly accept any cookies, but this year I want to live into practicing Advent. Advent, that little season that happens the four Sundays before Christmas, the historically penitential time to prepare our hearts and minds for the birth of Jesus Christ. It’s more than counting down the days to presents and celebrations but it’s a time for reflection, prayer, and stillness. Most of you know that I do not do still very well. Even when I do manage to be physically still, my mind still races at a million thoughts a second, and the holiday season does not aid in helping me slow down. With everything from schedules and checklists to choir practice and party schedules floating around my head, there isn't much room for serenity. That’s where my challenge comes into play. This Advent devotional was shared with me just a few days ago. Written by Forma and The Diocese of Virginia, it offers a weekly guide to examining how we prepare for Jesus to come into our worlds. It also mentions the app, Reimagining the Examen as a guide to the ancient daily practice. The Examen is a way to notice and call attention to all the ways God is working in your life and simply pray on it before the close of your day. So that’s where I’m going to begin. With an app and the longing to slow down a little bit and notice God more. I'm looking forward to DIY-ing my own Advent wreath and reflecting on what the season is truly about. I want to invite you to join me on this journey and see how prayerfully preparing for the coming Christ changes how we see Christmas. With love always, Sierra P.S. I love coffee and talking about God, so please let me know if you’re interested and we can dig into Advent together over a cup of coffee or peppermint cocoa. Aloha youth group! I just got back from my trip to the mainland and I am so grateful to be back and ready to jump into this year! We're kicking it off with a meeting THIS Sunday, September 10 at 11am in the youth room. Make sure to put these dates on your calendar and get ready to have a great year at All Saints'!  |
AuthorsCami Pascua Archives
November 2018
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