How do we wait for the Lord to come and relieve our grief?

Aloha! I’m thrilled to report that on Tuesday I finally tested negative on a Covid test! Mahalo for your prayers. I haven’t had serious symptoms for nearly two weeks, but I’m glad to be free of it. But several others around us do have Covid, so please keep them in your prayers. And please be careful yourself!
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I’m also grateful for those of you who attended church in person or by Facebook Live last Sunday. We continued in the story of Saul and David in 2 Samuel. David was seemingly fearless, courageously defeating the enemy giant Goliath and serving King Saul successfully as his army commander as well as his court musician. But Saul was afraid and angry at the popular David. To be honest, it’s difficult for me to identify with the fearlessness that David seemed to possess. We can probably identify more with the terror-stricken disciples in their storm-tossed boat, gripped by fear while their rabbi slept! Jesus asks them—and us, “Why do you fear? Why do you still not have faith?” In the midst of our fears, upon the troubled seas of our circumstances, Jesus invites us to stand strong in faith, to look to Jesus and grab on to his outstretched hand. That of course is a goal that we will aim for our whole life long.

This coming Sunday, the story continues. But now, life kicks David in the teeth—he is distraught over the death of King Saul and his beloved Jonathan. We also see two people in our gospel story who are deeply grieving over their circumstances—until they encounter Jesus. Perhaps you, like them, have been up all night, anxious and yearning for the coming dawn, for hope. How do we wait for the Lord to come and relieve our grief?
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This Sunday we are also planning a baptism! Angelica Jane Lasquite will be welcomed into Jesus’ forever family. I hope you can join the celebration.

As you know, this summer we’re doing a series of “Ministry Minutes” during the announcement time. So far we’ve learned about the Outreach ministry and the Welcoming Hearts Team (and we’re still hoping someone will hear God’s leading to help coordinate that ministry). Last Sunday Anne Kiyosaki shared about our Sunday School for keiki. This Sunday Sue Ann Wargo will introduce us to the Eucharistic Ministers/Eucharistic Visitors/Lectors ministry, and in coming weeks we’ll be hearing from other lay leaders about other ways people can serve here. I’m so grateful for all of you who serve, often in more than one way! St. Timothy’s does need your active involvement so that we can grow and flourish as God’s ohana in ’Aiea, so I hope you will listen with open mind and heart and respond to whatever new opportunities appeal to you. Thank you!
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I look forward to having you worship with us on Sunday at 9 a.m. in the Chapel, or on Facebook Live

I am praying for you, dear sisters and brothers, 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+