Longtime member of St. John’s, Kaoru Fujita, was laid to rest next to his wife, Kikumi, on September 22, 2017, at the Veterans Cemetery at Salt Pond in Hanapepe, Kauai.  Fr. Pete Wright celebrated the Eucharist and delivered the homily/eulogy.  Kaoru was born March 23, 1927.  He married Kikumi in 1957.  Others who spoke at the service told of how Kaoru supported St. John’s generously with his time, talent, and treasure.  He was an usher who gave visitors and newcomers a wonderful “first impression” of St. John’s.  Kaoru loved to travel (Japan, Australia, Las Vegas).  He loved, appreciated, and generously shared God’s bounty that sprung from his garden.  He was well-loved by his church family at St. John’s and has been sorely missed since his passing. Pictured here are his sister, Irene, her husband Richard and their son Bailey from California.
On Thursday, September 21, 2017, Fr. Pete Wright celebrated the Mass of Christian Burial  for Thomas Warden, a resident of Waimea. Pictured above is his wife, Carol, receiving the flag after full military honors and a 21 gun salute.  Tom spent 20 years in the U.S. Navy, including 4 years in Vietnam.  After his discharge, he worked as a civilian at the Pacific Missile Range.  Tom and Carol were very active in the Episcopal Church on Oahu before moving to Kauai.  


At Mass on September 17, 2017, at St. Paul's in Kekaha, two members of the congregation, Ross and Lynn Barker, led a beautiful song in Hawaiian, I Ke Alo O Iesu (In the Presence of Jesus).  Give a listen to 2 excerpts here.  "Let us go to the presence of Jesus, to see everlasting beauty.  Let us go to the bosom of Jesus, to feel the warmth of his love."  Ross is the regular music leader for both ECWK congregations.
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On Sept. 29, 2017, Fr. Pete Wright and his wife Penny journeyed to All Saints Episcopal Church in Kapa’a for an evening seminar presented by Sr. Barbara Jean Brown (affectionately known as “Sr. BJ”), traveling preacher and retreat leader and the author of Convents, Jails and Other Tales as well as Six Smooth Stones.   She led an experiential presentation about discovering ways in which we can better listen for the movement of the Spirit within our lives, by becoming more aware of and open to our own spiritual discernment.  Sister BJ is the co-founder of an Episcopal religious community called Anamchara Fellowship and has been a nun for 43 years.  She wanted everyone to know that she normally wears her habit, but Fr. Ryan, Rector of All Saints, insisted that, because of our tropical paradise, she should wear "civvies"!
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Upper left, Pastor Scott Taylor gives a short sermon at the Community Barbecue on September 26, 2017, held at St.Paul's.  Pastor Scott, a master chef in his own right, graced us with some delicious food.  On the right is Pastor James Merritt (pastor of the Waimea Baptist Church) with Fr. Pete Wright, priest at the ECWK.  Above bottom, Ross and Lynn Barker, two talented musicians, led worship music before the barbecue.




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In August 2017,  ECWK’s talented music man, Ross Barker, was featured in the TGI newspaper.  Ross on guitar along with Chuck Reed on the sax play with the Kauai Hospice’s Transitional Music Program.  This group volunteers their time and talent to help ease the pain of terminally ill patients via the most soothing and easily understood form of communication: song.  What a beautiful form of ministry.
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​On August 9, 2017, Fr. Pete officiated at the wedding of Bob and Eva Diamond in St. Paul's parish.  They were visiting from Manhattan.  Then on August 11, Fr. Pete baptized their son, Remington.  The baptism took place at Christ Episcopal Church in Kilauea.