Adult Sunday School class begins this Sunday, September 15

Aloha! When you read this, I will have officially been installed as your Vicar at St. Timothy’s by Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick. I am so honored and humbled to serve with you in this way in this beautiful church. I cannot thank enough those of you who attended and participated for coming out to be part of that wonderful service. It’s been an eventful and enjoyable seven months here already, and I look forward to loving and serving God and one another with you here at St. Tim’s for years to come.

Last Sunday we began our new church program year, a time to refocus and refresh our efforts to worship and serve together… and a time to have fun and fellowship as God’s ‘ohana at St. Timothy’s.  We also launched our Stewardship Season, and our committee chair David Caldwell got us off to a great start. Our theme this year is “Walk in Love,” and over the weeks ahead, with the help of several members sharing their own stories, we’ll think carefully and prayerfully about how we do that here at St. Timothy’s through the wise and generous management of our time, talent, and treasure as stewards of all that God has so generously given us. Stay tuned!

As another part of our new program year, I am starting a new Adult Sunday School class this Sunday, September 15, on “Faith and Science.” After service we’ll grab some coffee and refreshments and head to my office for Part 1. Our first session, featuring video and audio insights from the Rev. Dr. Scott Hoezee, will focus on the question: “How Can Science and Faith Inform Each Other?” If you’re planning to come, take a look at Colossians 1:15-23 ahead of time, and think about these questions:

• How does God reveal Godself to you? How do you experience God: Through nature? Through the Bible? Through Jesus? Through the teachings of the Church? Through some other means?
• What does God reveal to you through nature? Can you have faith in a God who is only revealed through nature?
• Is it possible for science and faith to be compatible? If so, how? If not, why not? 

I look forward to some interesting conversation as we contemplate the intersections of our faith and scientific inquiry. 

Last Sunday in worship, I shared the story of a big surprise at a church I attended that helped change its understanding of what it means to live our faith and serving others without favoritism or prejudice. We explored what James 2:1-17 and Mark 7:24-37 say about the balance of faith and works, as we touched on our theme verse for stewardship from Ephesians 5:1-2: “Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself for us, an offering and sacrifice to God.” That’s how we live our faith!

This Sunday, we’ll dive into the gospel lesson, Mark 8:27-38, and think about Jesus’ question to his disciples: “Who do people say that I am?” So, who do you say Jesus is? And who am I? Who are you? Who are we? Those are fundamental questions that can help us invigorate our own relationship with our loving Savior. 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+