God’s Spirit is alive

ALOHA! Sundays are a wonderful time of worship and fellowship when we all gather here at St. Timothy’s. But are you aware just how busy our church campus is during the week? For instance, I have regular meetings with our church administrator, Paul Mahuka, and Bishop’s Warden Nancy Chun, as well as meetings with members and others. We have our outreach food distribution on Tuesdays (with volunteers stuffing grocery bags on Sunday mornings, others prepping for meals on every other Monday, and still others picking up groceries at the FoodBank on Wednesdays); our Zoom Bible Study on Wednesdays; various other meetings on important aspects of life and ministry at St. Timothy’s; and this Saturday is our monthly Bishop’s Committee meeting while our diligent grounds crew tends the property as they do each week. Lots of busy volunteers! In addition to all that, the campus is buzzing with children playing and learning at Kama‘aina Kids preschool and Venture ABA, while meaningful and fun activities go non-stop in Sumida Hall with the Hale Hau‘oli Hawai‘i adult day care program, and more.

In all these ways, God’s Spirit is alive and moving through our campus--not just on Sundays but every day of the week. Each meeting, each act of service, each moment of learning and laughter is part of the holy work to which Christ calls us. As we share our space and our lives with one another and with our neighbors, we bear witness to God’s love at the heart of our community. May we continue to see Jesus in all who enter our doors, and may our ministry together be a blessing to ‘Aiea and beyond.

LAST SUNDAY we explored Luke 15:1-10, in which Jesus tells two brief parables about losing and finding things. If you have ever lost something of value to you, I know you too rejoiced when you finally found it! It’s a joyful discovery. So, have you been considering what these stories tell us about living in the kingdom of God here and now? And how we might experience the joy of the Lord more fully?

THIS SUNDAY we will ponder one of Jesus’ stranger parables as recorded in Luke 16:1-13—the Parable of the Dishonest Manager. It sounds like this crook is praised by Jesus for ripping off his boss! So what is Jesus telling us about the Kingdom of God in this odd story? And does it have anything to do with forgiveness? Let’s find out!

THIS SUNDAY we’ll also continue our Adult Sunday School series called “Heart and Soul: The Emotions of Jesus.” By looking at key moments surrounding Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection through the lens of human emotions, our understanding of Jesus can come alive. How do the gospels reveal what kind of person he really was? How did he express his emotions? And how does a better understanding of his humanity help us build our own faith and identity? This week we’ll consider the emotion of LOVE. Join us for an interesting, fun, and stimulating session!

COMING UP! We will celebrate the Feast of St. Francis and the Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, October 5, so please plan on bringing your beloved pets to the 9 a.m. service—in a crate or carrier or some other safe way. If you can’t bring your pet with you, you can certainly bring a photo! We’ll offer a prayer for each one and together we’ll consider how St. Francis’ ministry can guide us today.

So please join us for worship on Sunday at 9 a.m. in the Chapel, or on Facebook Live.

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+