At the Edge of the Empty Tomb

ALOHA kākou! As our Holy Week reaches its most sacred hours, we will gather at the foot of the cross today, Good Friday, where love is poured out in silence and sacrifice. Yet even here, the story is not finished. Tonight and tomorrow, we keep watch—through the stillness of the tomb, into the quiet hope of the Easter Vigil, where new fire is kindled and light returns to the darkness. And then, with joy beyond words, we greet Easter Day, the proclamation that life has triumphed over death, and Christ is risen. Our Lenten journey of prayer, repentance, and renewal finds its fulfillment, not only in what God has done, but in what God is doing, even now, among us.

THIS SUNDAY IS EASTER DAY! And we will hear the story of the Resurrection from John 20:1-18. We’ll conclude our “Witnesses on the Way” series of Holy Week sermons, hearing the exciting events from the perspective of the disciple whom Jesus loved, who ran to the tomb with Peter after Mary’s astonishing report that Jesus’ body was gone. Jesus tells his disciples to “go and tell”—and that is our assignment as well.

Please join us Sunday at 9 a.m. in the Chapel, or on Facebook Live.

HERE’S WHAT’S AHEAD AT ST. TIMOTHY’S:

• Today, Good Friday, our services are at 12 noon and 6 p.m., and after the noon service, Rev. David Ota will lead the liturgy of the Stations of the Cross.
• Rev. Karen Swanson is leading a wonderful event for our keiki starting at 11:30 here at St. Timothy’s. See the announcement on our home page.
  
• On Saturday, April 4, our Easter Vigil service is at 6:00 p.m., a glorious liturgy that will include the Holy Baptism of Toshiko Wight.
  
• And our Easter Day service is at 9 a.m., followed by fellowship and the Keiki’s Easter Egg Hunt!
  
• For our Easter Day Fellowship, please plan to bring something delicious that you would like to share with everyone!
  
• On April 12, we welcome Rev. Karen Swanson as our preacher and celebrant. I’ll be here, but I think you need a break from hearing me after Holy Week and Easter!

STARTING APRIL 19: “CONFIRMING FAITH” ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS: We’re planning a special series of classes for anyone who wishes to be confirmed in The Episcopal Church, or anyone who is interested in understanding more about the faith from an Episcopal point of view. We’ll meet after worship in the Vicar’s Office on most Sundays from April 19 through June 28 (dates subject to change). We’ll be using the book Faith Confirmed by Peter Jackson and Chris Wright (Forward Movement Publishers). See the announcement below for more information. Everyone is welcome! I hope you will plan to join us as we explore the basics of our Christian faith and the sacraments of The Episcopal Church. It’s a great way to refresh your faith during Eastertide!

Beloved brothers and sisters, I hold you in my prayers in this most meaningful season of the church year. I ask your faithful prayers for St. Timothy’s Church, for those who lead and serve, for every member of our ‘ohana, and for your vicar. May the blessing of Almighty God be upon you and remain with you always. 

Aloha Ke Akua!
Rev. Pete+