A Gift for David and Bobby

Your vestry is preparing a gift to David and Bobby in recognition of their ministry among us. We hope this will give them a little help in starting out this next chapter by taking some time for rest and renewal. If you would like to give towards this gift, please send to the parish office and earmark for "Davidʻs Retirement."

Preparing for Interim Clergy Leadership

One of the first responsibilities of the Vestry, working in consultation with Bishop-elect Libby Berman, the Rev. Canon Jazzy Bostock our Canon for Clergy Transition Ministries and Pilina, is to arrange for clergy leadership following David's retirement.

The Vestry has been authorized to begin conversations with possible candidates to serve as our Interim Priest.

An Interim Priest provides continuity in worship, pastoral care, and spiritual leadership while helping the parish navigate the transition toward calling its next rector.

Discussions for the calling of an Interim priest concerning the position, responsibilities, and Letter of Agreement are underway. No final appointment has yet been announced. The plan is to have an Interim Priest called and begin serving on Monday, January 4.

We will share further information when an agreement has been reached and approved.

Who Is Guiding the Transition?

The transition is being guided by our Vestry, in consultation with Bishop-elect Libby Berman and the Rev. Canon Jazzy Bostock, our diocesan Canon for Clergy Transition Ministries and Pilina.

Our Senior Warden, Hans L’Orange, and Junior Warden, Ian Hersey, are helping lead this work, together with the other members of the Vestry.

Bishop-elect Libby Berman has asked Hans to continue serving as Senior Warden for another year, and Ian has expressed his willingness to stand for election at our Parish Annual Meeting in January to serve another term as Junior Warden.

We are deeply grateful to both Hans and Ian for their faithful leadership and their willingness to continue serving during this important season. Their continued leadership will provide valuable stability, continuity, and institutional knowledge as we navigate the transition, welcome interim clergy leadership, and begin the process of discerning whom God is calling to serve as our next rector.

During this time, the Vestry will be responsible for important decisions concerning interim leadership, parish administration, and the steps toward calling our next rector.

The Diocese will provide guidance and oversight throughout the process.

Our clergy, staff, and lay ministry leaders will continue their important work, ensuring that the worship, ministries, and daily life of St. James’ Episcopal Parish continue.

What Happens Next?

The process of calling a new rector is more than filling a position. It is an opportunity for the parish to listen, reflect, and discern where God is leading us.

Although the precise timeline and steps will be developed in consultation with the Diocese, the transition will generally include several stages.

1. Giving Thanks and Preparing for the Transition

Now through January 3, 2027

We will celebrate David's ministry, prepare for his retirement, and make arrangements for continuity in parish leadership.

The Vestry will work with diocesan leadership to clarify responsibilities and establish interim clergy leadership.

2. A Season of Interim Ministry

Beginning in January 2027

Interim ministry provides an opportunity for the parish to continue its worship and ministries while reflecting on its identity, mission, strengths, and hopes for the future.

This is not simply a waiting period. It is an important season in the life of the parish.

3. Listening to Our Parish ʻOhana

As the process moves forward, parishioners will have opportunities to share their experiences, hopes, and dreams for St. James’.

What do we cherish about our parish? Where do we see God at work? What opportunities and challenges lie ahead? What gifts will our next rector need to help us live more fully into our calling?

These conversations will help shape our understanding of who we are and where God may be leading us.

4. Preparing for the Search

At the appropriate time, and with diocesan guidance, the parish will prepare the materials needed to introduce St. James’ to prospective candidates.

These may include a parish profile and other information describing our congregations, ministries, community, mission, and hopes for the future.

5. Discerning and Calling Our Next Rector

A search process will be undertaken in accordance with diocesan guidance and Episcopal Church procedures.

The Vestry will ultimately be responsible for calling our next rector, with the required involvement and approval of the Bishop.

The process will take time, and we will keep the parish informed as each stage unfolds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will worship services and parish ministries continue?

Absolutely! Our regular worship services at St. James’ in Waimea, St. Columba’s in Paʻauilo, and Beach Mass in Kawaihae will continue. So will our Community Meals, youth and keiki ministries, thrift and bookstore ministries, pastoral care, and the many other ways our parish lives out God's aloha.

What happens to the Gathering Place and West Campus projects?

These projects belong to the parish and are part of its continuing mission. The Vestry and the appropriate ministry and project leadership teams will continue overseeing their progress.

Will we have a new rector immediately after David retires?

No. The parish anticipates a period of interim clergy leadership while it prepares for and undertakes the process of calling its next rector.

How long will the transition take?

While there is no confirmed timeline for calling the next rector, it is anticipated that this will take a year. The process will unfold with guidance from the Diocese, allowing time for thoughtful discernment and a careful search.

Will parishioners have a voice in the process?

Yes. Opportunities for parish-wide listening, reflection, and participation are expected as the transition moves forward. Details will be shared as they become available.

Will David and Bobby be leaving Hawaiʻi?

No. Following David's retirement, they plan to spend time traveling and visiting family, but Hawaiʻi remains their home.

As is customary in clergy transitions, David will step away from the pastoral leadership of the parish to give the interim priest and eventual new rector the freedom to establish their own relationships and leadership. During this time, David will no longer be available to officiate at weddings, funerals, baptisms, or other pastoral occasions for members of the parish.

We recognize that this will be a difficult adjustment, both for David and Bobby and for many in our parish ʻohana. After fifteen years of sharing in one another's lives, the relationships and bonds of affection run deep. Yet honoring these boundaries is an important way of supporting the parish's new leadership and allowing the next chapter of St. James' life to unfold.

While David's role as rector is coming to an end, the love and gratitude shared between David, Bobby, and this parish ʻohana will remain.

Who should I contact with questions?

Questions about the transition may be directed to our Senior Warden, Hans L’Orange, or through the Parish Office.

Transition News and Updates

October 2026 — Initial Transition Planning

The Vestry has begun its work with diocesan leadership concerning the transition. Bishop-elect Libby Berman has offered guidance regarding interim clergy leadership, responsibilities, and the process ahead.

The Vestry has been authorized to begin conversations with possible candidates to serve Interim Priest. Further details will be shared when confirmed.

September 2026 — David Announces His Retirement

The Rev. David Stout announced that he will retire as rector of St. James’ Episcopal Parish, with his final weekend being January 2–3, 2027.

Read the retirement announcement from David

Please CLICK HERE to read the Sr. Wardenʻs letter to the parish

Additional updates will be posted here as decisions are made.

A Prayer for Our Parish in This Season of Transition

Gracious and loving God,

You have guided our beloved parish ‘ohana through generations of faithful worship, service, and community. We give you thanks for all who have gone before us, for the ministry we share today, and for the future you are preparing.

Bless David and Bobby as they enter a new season of life. Give wisdom, courage, and patience to our Bishop, Wardens, Vestry, clergy, and staff. Help us listen generously to one another, welcome new possibilities, and trust in the leading of your Holy Spirit.

Keep us faithful to our calling to live your aloha, welcoming all, building community, and serving others.

Remind us that while leaders and seasons change, your love remains steadfast, and your mission continues.

Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, the head of the Church and the author of Salvation.

Amene.

Stay Connected

We will continue sharing transition news through this webpage, our weekly parish newsletter, announcements at worship, and parish gatherings.