Commemorating the Holy Sovereigns on Christ the King Sunday

ALOHA! Dear friends, as we head into Thanksgiving week, and look just beyond it to the start of Advent, let’s all take a moment to breathe and get our hearts ready. These coming days invite us to notice our blessings, practice gratitude, and then lean into the hopeful season of preparation that follows. In the middle of our travel plans, grocery lists, and the early holiday buzz, let’s also prepare ourselves spiritually, making some room for kindness, reflection, and the quiet ways God nudges us toward hope. May this whole stretch of days help us slow down, pay attention, and welcome the holy.

THIS SUNDAY is the final Sunday in the church year as we celebrate the Reign of Christ. We will also commemorate our Holy Sovereigns, King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma, who invited the Anglican Church to serve in Hawai‘i. We’ll dig into Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, and Luke 23:33-43 to discover the characteristics of servant leadership that Jesus exemplified, and that Kamehameha and Emma sought to follow. Christ leads us by lifting us up, drawing out our gifts, and showing how to live in aloha with one another. So join us as we celebrate Christ our King and honor our sovereigns this Sunday at 9 a.m. in the Chapel, or on Facebook Live.

LAST SUNDAY we explored Isaiah 65:17-25 and Luke 21:5-19. As Jesus and his disciples admired the stately Temple in Jerusalem, which for faithful Jews was the dwelling place of God, Jesus spoke of a dark future, the Temple in rubble and a world spinning out of control, and yet he called it good news. In the midst of destruction, there is resurrection! We learned that Jesus doesn’t promise escape from chaos, but endurance through it. And we can testify to God’s faithfulness in our daily lives. How is that going for you this week?

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

• Next Thursday, November 27, St. Tim’s will have a Thanksgiving Day Eucharist at 10 a.m. with a turkey potluck dinner following in Sumida Hall at around 11:30. All are welcome! Please let us know you’re coming. Turkeys will be provided. If you haven’t already done so, please sign up and bring a side or dessert or two to share.
• The season of Advent begins on November 30, a time of prayerful preparation for the coming of the Christ Child. We’ll begin the services with the lighting of the Advent Wreath. We’ll also be dedicating a new Advent blue chasuble and stole, donated by Nancy Chun, for which we are grateful.
• On three Wednesday mornings during Advent—December 3, 10, and 17—we will be offering an informal Service of Healing, with communion from the reserved sacrament. This is something of an experiment, so please consider joining us in the Chapel at 9 a.m.
• On three Sundays during Advent—November 30, December 7 and 14—Revs. David Ota and Karen Swanson will be leading a special Adult Sunday School Series, “Sharing Your Spiritual Journey,” in the Vicar’s Office starting around 10:30 or so. Join us and share your own experiences of faith!

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.  

Aloha Ke Akua!
Fr. Pete+