Starting back during the Covid-19 pandemic, which curtailed gathering sizes and congregational singing, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church got creative to meet the needs of its current members and attract new folks seeking the divine.
Lay Associate for Worship and Music Manny Dayao has played a key role in the church’s recent online evolution, responsible for growing its social media presence and live streaming services.
Dayao began volunteering as a pianist for St. Peter’s Sunday services, and in 2014, he established St. Peter’s weekly Jazz Vespers service with the help of the church’s former Pastor Diane Martinson and Honolulu-based saxophonist Reggie Padilla.
“As a church, we have a 'doors open’ policy, and it’s the same for the weekly Jazz Vespers. Because it’s not a Sunday service, we can branch out to reach people beyond the church community,” according to Dayao, who works full-time at his alma mater Iolani School in the performing arts department.
“The beauty is connecting the music with the message,” he continued. “Music can be the vehicle to how people experience the divine.”
“The beauty is connecting the music with the message,” said Manny Dayao, St. Peter's Episcopal Church Lay Associate for Worship and Music.
Dayao shares about the purpose of Jazz Vespers.
St. Peter’s Jazz Vespers service starts Thursdays at 6 p.m. and runs for about 40 minutes. It is exactly what it sounds like – jazz music, Scripture readings and prayer. Vespers are typically themed, including Advent and Lent, throughout the seasons.
“This is the best service I’ve seen all year,” said Ken Lee, a regular attendee of Jazz Vespers who lives nearby, at the last service of the year. Lee told ASD that he enjoys visiting this weekly evening service but attends a Methodist church in town on Sundays.
Prior to the pandemic, 30 to 40 people would attend regularly, Dayao said, adding, now, it’s closer to 20 to 30, both in-person and online.
"It's a surprise and blessing it's been going on for more than 10 years now," said Padilla, whom Dayao asked to lead the band. "The musicians are my friends and seasoned pros, and the space is great acoustically.
"It's a welcoming, casual vibe – Everybody's welcome no matter what religion they practice or walk of life they're in."
Original band members who accompany Padilla today include vocalist Starr Kalahiki and pianist Dan Del Negro, with Mark Tanouye on bass. The musicians are supported by a grant from the diocese and individual donors, Dayao said.
Kalahiki told ASD, singing in this setting has been "healing" for her. "It's a magical honor. We're so grateful to have this sacred space available weekly to offer what we do."
St. Peter’s Jazz Vespers will continue weekly in 2025. Checkout the church's Facebook page for past videos and current live streams.
Church updates and offerings
Despite Covid setbacks, Dayao said overall church “membership has increased,” in part because of its online offerings.
Since the spring of 2024, the church body has banded together while undergoing a search for their next pastor, he added. In November of the same year, the Vestry named Ruth Peterson as priest in charge/rector of St. Peter’s. She started in the role on Jan. 1.
"What I love about this congregation is their zest for ministry and life. It's so easy to be their pastor," Peterson told ASD at the church's Jan. 9 Jazz Vesper service. To her knowledge, she said this is the only weekly Jazz Vespers service on Oahu.
"It's a vital part of who we are. It's out-of-the box thinking that is supported by St. Peter's congregation and leadership," she added. "The basic message is the same, though the style and length are different from Sundays, where I plan to go more in depth. The core message is God is with you no matter what."
Peterson is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She has served as pastor of Joy of Christ Lutheran Church in Pearl City, chaplain at Pohai Nani Good Samaritan Society in Kaneohe, hospital chaplain for Kuakini Medical Center and hospice chaplain for Navian Hawaii.
“Throughout these years of ministry, it has been clear that serving a congregation is my favorite calling, where my heart has always been,” she said in a note to the congregation. “I trust God will guide me as I seek to serve you and share your joyful times and assist during difficult times. You will be family.”
Soul food
Once a month, servants of St. Peter’s gather to package soup for individuals in the congregation and the community. From minestrone to lentil, corn chowder or split pea, and highly requested chicken juk – this warm meal is intended for anyone “in need of nourishment for body and soul.”
For more about this ministry, contact Velma Lee at velmalee@hawaii.rr.com.
CONTACT
St. Peter's Episcopal Church
Address: 1317 Queen Emma St., Honolulu
Phone: 808-533-1943
Website: stpetershonolulu.org
Sunday services: 7:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.
Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros can be reached at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.
