Jazz up your week at this Downtown church service

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 folk 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, who works full-time at his alma mater Iolani School as head of the performing arts department, said he began volunteering as a pianist for St. Peter’s Sunday services.

In 2014, he helped establish 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,” Dayao told Aloha State Daily at a recent service.

“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 behind Jazz Vespers.

St. Peter’s Jazz Vespers service starts Thursdays at 6 p.m. and runs for about 30 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. 

Prior to the pandemic, 30 to 40 people would attend. Now, it’s closer to 20 to 30, both in person and online, according to Dayao.

Artists accompanying Padilla are vocalist Starr Kalahiki and Mark Tanouye on bass. Dayao added, the musicians are supported by a grant from the diocese and individual donors.

“This is the best service I’ve seen all year,” said Ken Lee, a regular attendee of Jazz Vespers who lives nearby. Lee told ASD that he enjoys visiting this weekly evening service but attends a Methodist church in town on Sundays.

Dayao said St. Peter’s Jazz Vespers will continue weekly in January. 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. 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 Jan. 5.

In a note to the congregation, Peterson said she is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. In Hawaii, 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. “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.