Citizens of Heaven

Aloha! We continue in the prayerful, penitential season of Lent, spending these 40 days in spiritual reflection on the way to Holy Week and Easter.

Last Sunday, the 1st Sunday in Lent, we explored the story of the temptation of Jesus
in the wilderness from Luke 4:1-13. Like Jesus, we need the help of the Spirit within us to withstand the temptations of our lives—which are not all that much different from what Jesus experienced in the wilderness: temptations to fix things ourselves, to worship people or things other than God, and to deny who we are as beloved children of God. I pray that you and I are ready for this Holy Lent as we engage in prayer, fasting, and reading and meditating on God’s Word.

This Sunday, the 2nd Sunday in Lent, we’ll explore our citizenship by focusing on
Philippians 3:17—4:1. Yes, we may be citizens of this world, but as believers in Jesus Christ we are also citizens of heaven, even now, and we can experience both the blessings and responsibilities of what that means. So check your passports and let’s learn how to live as citizens of heaven while residing in this wounded, fearful world.

We enjoyed our first “Soup and Study” gathering on Wednesday evening, and these will continue through April 9 at 6 p.m. in Sumida Hall. Even if you missed it, you’re invited to enjoy fellowship next Wednesday over a simple meal with lively conversation about the second of five “Will You” questions in the baptismal covenant. We close our time together with the service of Compline. Please sign up on the clipboard in the back of the church to let us know which Wednesday(s) you can join us or bring soup to share!

Also, this Sunday we’ll have the first of the last two “Faith and Science” Adult Formation classes in the Vicar’s office after worship! If you participated last fall, you know these are informative and interesting explorations of important issues where faith and science intersect. This Sunday we’ll hear from Rev. David Wood about “Science and the Image of God.” We will conclude the series in two weeks on Sunday, March 30. Join us!

I hope you will prayerfully consider how you will experience these 40 days of Lent, and that you’ll avail yourself of as many opportunities to gather at St. Tim’s as you can.

Dear sisters and brothers, I am so grateful for you! 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 and your loved ones in this holy season. 

Aloha Ke Akua!
​Fr. Pete+