KeOlaMagazine.com | May – June 2021
support groups, Boy Scouts, and veterans and, until the pandemic, a place for Sunday afternoon worship conducted by the Marshallese ‘ohana. “Outreach is key to who we are today and the seeds that were planted years ago have taken root and are blossoming now,” says Reverend David Stout, in his 10th year as St. James’ rector. The Thursday community meal, a joyous affair, began in 2016. “The parish ‘ohana wanted a feeding ministry. They wanted to try it and see who came. Sue Dela Cruz and Tim Bostock took it on and it turned into a party every Thursday in the pavilion with live music. People came and shared a meal. A festive event that fed both body and soul,” says Reverend David. With the pandemic, the meal program has both expanded and contracted. More than 600 meals are now distributed in a drive-through on Thursdays from 4:30 to 6:00. “People in the drive-through are asking when we can gather again. The meal is really the greatest event I’ve ever promoted,” says Tim, who is a professional event promoter. The gathering place, Savanack Pavilion (western edge), donated in 1973 by Julia and Tommy Rodenhurst, started out as a place for the annual fundraising plant sale. It now serves as a support kitchen for the community meal, mostly prepared in the church building, but there are plans to “wrap the whole operation into one with a fully commercial kitchen and share it with a number of people,” says Tim. St. James’ Circle has been given the title “Hub of Resilience” by the granting organization Vibrant Hawai‘i. Through their support, St. James’ sponsors 175 meals a week, prepared by Ippy’s Restaurant and delivered to kūpuna in the community.
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Saint James’ Episcopal Church built in 1950, a gift from Parker Ranch’s Richard Smart. photo by Jan Wizinowich
“The property we’ve inherited is a great blessing. We are stewards of it in our time, to continue to be a place of worship, education, and community connections,” concluded Reverend David. Mahalo nui for contributing to this story: Everette Knowles, Jo Pilz, Dave Coon, Jane Taylor, Tim Bostock, Reverend David Stout, Sue Dela Cruz, and Howard and Pat Hall. ■ For more information: stjameshawaii.org Story sources: *Ke Akua Alaka‘i iā Kākou: St. James’ Episcopal Church centennial booklet Waimea Gazette: Waimea Remembers Camp Tarawa by Gordon Bryson
