A Gotcha Moment

Aloha! Are you watching the Paris Olympics? I’m trying to catch some of the
gymnastics, diving, and surfing, among other sports. The skills and abilities these young
people so brilliantly embody can be astonishing to witness. And while we celebrate the
medals that Team USA is winning, we also pause to appreciate the fact that more than
200 countries are represented this year, with their athletes competing from the Seine
River to the Pacific Ocean. The fact that all those nations can come together in a time
that seems so divided and war-torn is a testimony to the God-given human spirit. If only
we could expand that spirit of cooperation, hope, and siblinghood! And so we pray for
peace and justice in this hurting world.

Last Sunday in worship we talked about how badly King David messed up (2
Samuel 11:1-15)—committing adultery, conspiracy, bribery, and murder by taking
Bathsheba and sentencing her husband to death on the front lines of battle. We realized
that the only way to avoid anything like that debacle in our own lives is to look to Jesus,
to expect him to pop up in the midst of our temptation, our fear, our feelings of being lost
and alone. That’s what happened to his disciples during the storm on the sea, when
Jesus came walking to them on the water—popping up just when they needed him. Can
we trust Jesus to pop up when we find ourselves about to sink?

This Sunday, we’ll focus on 2 Samuel 11:26—12:13a and Psalm 51. We’ll pick up
from the cliffhanger of last week to discover how David responds when boldly
confronted about his grievous sin. It’s one of the most well-known “Gotcha Moments” in
history. But it’s an amazing model for humility, repentance, and honesty with God. Take
a look at those Scriptures and we’ll see what we can learn from David about living a
forgiven life.

We’ll also continue our series of “Ministry Minutes” during the announcement time.
As you know, this summer our church ministry leaders have been sharing the various
ministries that help make St. Timothy’s the loving and worshipful church that it is. We do
this to honor those who serve, and to encourage you to pray about how you might serve
here in the days to come. So far, we’ve learned about the 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,
and this past Sunday we heard about STEAM—St. Timothy’s Episcopal Audio/visual
Ministry. This Sunday we’ll learn about our Daughters of the King chapter. All these
ministries need more volunteers and participants! I’m so grateful for those of you who
have stepped up in recent weeks to volunteer, and for all who serve, often in more than
one way. Mahalo!

I look forward to seeing you in church or on Facebook Live Sunday at 9 a.m.! 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+