Being Persistent Witnesses in Troubling Times

ALOHA! As the news headlines speak of hopeful peace settlements after so many fragile ceasefires and uneasy truces, our hearts still ache for peace, for the people of the Middle East and for all places where peace has seemed so fleeting. Even here at home, we continually struggle with loss and fear. In such times, it can feel as though our prayers and efforts are too small to matter. But Jesus reminds us that even the smallest act of faith — a mustard seed of hope, a cup of cold water, a word of kindness — carries the power of God’s love into the world.

So let us be persistent witnesses for that love! When peace seems tenuous, we keep praying for it. When hope feels thin, we embody it. When fear rises, we answer with compassion. Every gesture of care, every choice for understanding rather than suspicion, becomes a seed for the flourishing of God’s Kingdom. So, hold fast to hope, beloved. The world needs your quiet light.

THIS SUNDAY we’ll explore what all this means—how we might see hope as resistance against the evil in this world, and how we might be persistent witnesses to God’s love amidst the chaos around us. We’ll take a look at Jeremiah 31:27-34; 2 Timothy 3:14—4:5; and the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8 to find ways to trust God no matter what is happening around us. So please join us for worship on Sunday at 9 a.m. in the Chapel, or on Facebook Live.

LAST SUNDAY we delved into Luke 17:11-19, the story of Jesus’ healing of the ten lepers. Only one, a Samaritan, returns to Jesus to offer his heartfelt gratitude. This one man’s example can teach us a lot about how to live a life of gratitude, and how we might be better stewards of our gratitude. Have we been mindfully expressing our gratitude for all the big and little things in life that God so graciously and generously shares with us? And how can we express that gratitude by giving of our time, talent, and treasure? I hope we’ll all keep pondering these things!

THIS SUNDAY we will also resume our Adult Sunday School class, “Heart and Soul: The Emotions of Jesus.” Our topic this week is GRIEF. Many of us are dealing with this emotion as we navigate the losses of our lives. What can Jesus teach us about handling our grief through his own example and his teachings? We’ll explore this together. Then our final session will be on October 26 as we focus on JOY.

LOOKING AHEAD—There’s a Lot Going On Here!

• Our Diocesan Annual Convention will be October 24 and 25 at ‘Iolani School! You will be well represented by our delegates Nancy Chun, Jana Dove, Joanne Mahuka, Adele Thomas, and yours truly. Please keep this meeting, the delegates, and Bishop Fitzpatrick and his staff in your prayers during this important time of transition as we continue to seek our new Bishop. (See this link for more information about the Convention.)
• Our guest preacher on October 26 will be the Rev. Irene Maliaman. Irene is Vicar of St. John the Divine Episcopal Church in Tamuning, Guam, and Priest in Charge of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Saipan. Earlier this year, St. Timothy’s Bishop’s Committee sent a donation, representing a tithe of our budget surplus, to Rev. Irene to support her ministry. We are so honored to have her here with us while she is on O‘ahu for the Annual Convention, and we look forward to learning more about her work in that part of the Diocese of Hawai‘i!
• We’re having a wonderful series of speakers during our Stewardship season--mahalo to each one! Our In-gathering will be on Sunday, November 2, and we will enjoy a POTLUCK LUNCH after worship in Sumida Hall. Please plan on bringing your most festive and delicious dishes to share as we celebrate our life together at St. Tim’s!
• Please note that I will be off island on vacation from October 29 until November 16. Dan and I will be flying to Sydney and then cruising around New Zealand, and will have very limited internet. But you will be in very good hands as Rev. Karen Swanson serves as our celebrant and preacher on November 2, and Rev. David Ota on November 9. If you need pastoral care while I am away, please contact Paul Mahuka in the church office and he will contact our supply
  clergy to respond as they are able. Thank you!

Dear sisters and brothers, you are in my prayers, and I ask for your continuing prayers for St. Timothy’s Church, for our dedicated staff and devoted lay leaders and ministers, for your fellow members, and for your vicar. May God bless you and your loved ones always.
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Aloha Ke Akua!
Fr. Pete+