God is faithful, season by season, age to age, and we are blessed

Aloha! We have moved into a new season of the year—it’s fall! And we here on O‘ahu
are surrounded by God’s creative beauty around us as the sun shifts slightly in the sky.
God is faithful, season by season, age to age, and we are blessed.

Last Sunday we continued our Stewardship Season speaker series, and our
Treasurer Jana Dove and Bookkeeper Andrea Casey offered a helpful overview of our
Narrative Budget. If you weren’t in church last Sunday, this document has been posted on  our Giving page and there are a few copies available in the chapel. Please take a careful and prayerful look at this information and let Jana or Andrea know if you have any questions or comments. This Sunday we’ll hear from another member of St. Timothy’s about why they offer their time, talent, and treasure for the glory of God. As the Apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 9:7, “Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not regretfully or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” That’s good guidance
for each of us as we plan for 2025.

Speaking of stewardship, we’re grateful to the volunteers who came in the office on
Monday to stuff all the stewardship packets to mail this week. Nancy Chun, David
Caldwell, Grace and Logan Medeiros, and I had a fun time making sure I didn’t mix up
the labels and the letters! If you are in our church directory, you should be receiving this
packet in the mail in the next week or so. If you don’t receive one, there are packets in
the back of the chapel—feel free to take one.

As you know, our stewardship theme this year is “Walk in Love.” And last Sunday,
we had the “word premiere” of a new hymn composed by our own Zachary Hamada to
share that encouraging message. This Sunday we’ll all be singing it as our procession
into the world at the close of worship. Mahalo nui loa to Zach for sharing his creativity
with us!

Last Sunday we also had our second “Faith and Science” Adult Sunday School
session. Once again 12 people joined us for a stimulating conversation as we
considered the vastness of the cosmos and the God who created it. Feel free to join us
this Sunday--after worship, grab some refreshments and head to my office. Our third
session, featuring video and audio insights from our former Presiding Bishop Katharine
Jefferts Schori (who has degrees in biology and oceanography, as well as ministry!), will
focus on “Creation and Evolution.” If you’re planning to come, please read Mark
10:17-22 meditatively ahead of time, and think about these questions:

- What Bible passages come to mind regarding creation? What do they teach you
about God, humankind, and the world/cosmos?
- Reflect on your feelings about the idea of evolution. When did you first learn
about it? Have your beliefs about evolution changed over the years?
- Can creation and evolution be compatible?

- Are there events from the news, or articles or books you’ve read, that have
challenged you to think more deeply about the relationship between faith and
science? Feel free to bring them with you to share.

Last Sunday in the sermon, we explored James 3:13–4:2,7-8a and Mark 9:30-37
and asked ourselves how we muster up the courage to overcome our fear to serve
Jesus. It involves becoming as humble as a child. James also gives us some helpful
guidance on how we should live, filled as we are by the wisdom and power of the Holy
Spirit and the risen Lord. He writes, “Draw near to God, and God will draw near to you.”

This Sunday, we’ll focus on the gospel reading, Mark 9:38-50. I’ll be honest—the
lectionary readings for this Sunday are challenging! And I’m not the only preacher who
thinks so. But I believe we can glean some helpful insights to live our lives more
significantly as followers of Jesus. Because once again it’s all about approaching Jesus
with childlike humility and trust. How can we do that? Let’s find out. 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+