A Word from Rev. Peter Wallace

Aloha! This Sunday is an important day in the life of our church. First of all, we will
observe All Saints' Sunday. All Hallows’ Eve (Hallowe’en) is tonight, Thursday Oct. 31, All
Saints’ Day is Friday Nov. 1, and All Souls’ Day is Saturday Nov. 2, but we will observe
this meaningful time during worship this Sunday. As we think of the great cloud of
witnesses, our loved ones, as well as those here at St. Timothy's who have died in the
last year, let us thank God for them, meditate on what they have meant to us, and strive
to follow their faithful examples. May they rest in peace and rise in glory.

This Sunday we will also have the Ingathering of pledge cards for 2025, followed by
a special fellowship time in Sumida Hall. Last Sunday, Sara Ridge offered an inspiring talk
about what St. Timothy’s has meant to her and her beloved family. This Sunday, our
stewardship team leader David Caldwell will conclude the speaker series with a final word
about what our “Walk in Love” means here at St. Timothy’s, now and in the days to come.

If you have already sent in your pledge card, MAHALO! As of Monday, we have
received 39 cards. If you haven’t yet, please plan to mail your card or place it in an
envelope in the alms basin by this Sunday if possible. Your faithful participation in this
way enables our Bishop’s Committee to plan prudently for our ministry together at St.
Timothy’s in 2025. Thank you for your generous spirit!

Last Saturday, we hosted a wonderful workshop on Centering Prayer. It was a
meaningful time of learning and praying together. Our thanks to Jean Benfer and her
colleagues at Contemplative Outreach of Hawai’i—Cheryl, Alex, and Norman—and to our
own Evan Barney for making this vital spiritual resource available to us. If you are
interested in learning more about Centering Prayer, please be in touch with me or Evan.

We had our final “Faith and Science” adult Sunday school class last week. We’ve
had a great time with robust discussions about important issues where our faith and
scientific pursuit intersect. We’ll now be taking a break from regular classes as various
other activities and events take place. Be watching for announcements about new classes
and gatherings over the months to come.

Are you interested in joining your St. Timothy’s friends for Thanksgiving worship
and a turkey dinner? We will have a Thanksgiving Day Eucharist at 10 a.m. on
November 28. Several folks have also expressed interest in gathering for dinner following
the service. If you would like to enjoy some turkey with your church ‘ohana, please sign
up on the sheet this Sunday, or let Paul Mahuka or me know. We will make plans once we
know how many folks would like to participate. We are thankful for you!

​Last Sunday in the sermon, we considered Mark 10:46-52, the story of the healing of
Bartimaeus, who suffered blindness but whose faith made him well. “What do you want
me to do for you?” Jesus asked him, and unlike James and John, who were asked the
very same question by Jesus, Bartimaeus responded in faith and followed Jesus on the
way. How might Bartimaeus encourage each of us to reach out to Jesus in faith? I hope
you’ve been thinking about that question!

This Sunday, we’ll explore the All Saints’ Sunday scriptures, Isaiah 25:6-9,
Revelation 21:1-6a, and John 11:32-44, as we consider the often-unlikely saints who
helped form our own faith and who continue to guide and bless our lives as we
remember their faithful examples. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday at 9 a.m.
in church or on Facebook Live!

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+