St. James’ Saturday 9-6-25
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This past weekend in worship, Linda and I shared the news that our beloved Keiki Youth Ministries Coordinator, Susan Acacio, has announced her retirement. Her last day with us will be October 31.
We are so grateful that Susan came out of retirement to help us rebuild youth ministries in the fragile, post-pandemic season. She originally said she would give us two years, and she gave us even more than that—in time, dedication, and heart. Susan has done a phenomenal job, and we will be forever indebted to her.
In true Susan fashion, she is also making space for the next person stepping into this ministry. She has committed to taking at least six months away from youth ministry before returning in a volunteer capacity—an act of generosity that looks out both for the health of the ministry and for the one who will follow her. That’s so very Susan.
At the same time, I want to pause and say mahalo to all of you who volunteer with our keiki and youth—those who teach, guide, mentor, prepare snacks, tell stories, set up rooms, and share Christ’s love with our youngest members and guests. Your time, effort, and heart are the steady ground on which this ministry has been built. While we want to hear from our whole parish about our hopes and dreams for the future, we especially want to hear from you—your hopes, your needs, and your vision for where God is calling us next. I hope you will help us bridge this time between Susan’s retirement and the calling of our next Keiki Youth Ministries Coordinator.
I will also be meeting with our wardens and vestry to discuss the path forward. While we don’t want to lose momentum with our keiki ministries, we also don’t want to rush. I hope we can take a breath—offering gratitude for Susan while also prayerfully discerning what gifts and structure are most needed for the future. With ministries at St. James’ reestablished, the rapid growth of our new after-school ministry at St. Columba’s, and the recent calling of Josh Anthony, our Junior & Senior Youth Pastor, this is a good moment to ask how best to support what God is doing with our youngest members and the keiki of our wider community.
Please join me in holding Susan in our prayers as she prepares for this transition. We will celebrate and honor her faithful service on All Saints’ weekend (November 1 & 2).
With grace and aloha,
David
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