...asking for wisdom...

Aloha! We are nearing the end of what turned out to be a very busy summer season at
St. Timothy’s, and we’re hard at work preparing for our new church year starting in
September. After serving six fruitful months as your vicar and to celebrate my birthday,
this week Dan and I are taking a very short vacation (Wednesday through Friday) at
Camp Mokule‘ia. Then next Monday through Wednesday, August 19-21, I will be
participating at the Diocesan Clergy Conference in Kapolei. Of course, I will still be
accessible by email or phone. This Saturday our Bishop’s Committee has its monthly
meeting, and we’re so glad that our Bishop’s Warden, Nancy Chun, is back on island
this week!

Last Sunday in worship, we considered the gospel lesson, John 6:35, 41-51, in
which Jesus explained to his disciples that he is the bread of life, and whoever comes to
him will never be hungry. The religious hypocrites questioned Jesus about this, and he
explained further, noting that the prophets say, “They shall all be personally taught by
God.” We explored what that meant—and how to accept God’s invitation to that holy
classroom in the presence of Jesus our Savior and Mentor.

This week, we’ll look at several texts: 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-24; Ephesians 5:15-20;
John 6:51-58. In light of our Campus Clean-Up Day this Sunday, we’ll think about how
to clean up our spiritual lives and throw out the things that hinder our growth. That
requires wisdom! After King David dies, God asks the new King Solomon what he
wants. And Solomon answers wisely… asking for wisdom! This prompted me to think of
the wise souls I’ve encountered in my life, and what I’ve learned for them. Who are the
wise people who have helped form you along the way? And who are you sharing the
wisdom you’ve gained in life with others? Let’s think about that together.

This Sunday we’ll conclude our “Ministry Minutes” series. For the past couple of
months our lay leaders have been sharing information about all the ministries that help
make St. Timothy’s the loving and worshipful church that it is. We’ve done this to honor
those who serve, and to encourage you to pray about ways you might serve here in the
days to come. We learned about our Outreach ministry, the Welcoming Hearts Team,
our Sunday School for keiki, the Eucharistic Ministers/ Eucharistic Visitors/
Lectors ministry, the Bishop’s Committee, the Altar Guild, STEAM (St. Timothy’s
Episcopal Audio/visual Ministry), and the Music Ministry, and last Sunday we heard
about our Daughters of the King chapter. This Sunday we’ll learn about current and
upcoming Adult Formation opportunities. All these ministries need more volunteers
and participants, so please think about them prayerfully! I’m so grateful for all who
serve, often in many more ways than one. Mahalo!

I look forward to seeing you in church or on Facebook Live on Sunday at 9
a.m.! Dear sisters and brothers, you are in my prayers, and I ask for your prayers for St.
Timothy’s Church, for our dedicated staff and our devoted lay leaders, and for your
vicar. May God bless you all. 

Aloha Ke Akua!

Fr. Pete+