Home is Where the Hope Is

​ALOHA! Well, did you notice we have entered the season of autumn this week? Here in Hawai‘i, the turning of the seasons doesn’t bring the fiery leaves or brisk winds that our mainland friends expect in the fall. The air is still warm, the trade winds steady, the trees mostly green. And yet, if we pay attention, we can sense the change. The mornings may be a degree or two cooler, the sun sets a little earlier, the light softens in the evenings. Certain blossoms fade, while others quietly take their place. Even the ocean carries a different mood, shifting with the rhythms of creation. Fall reminds us that God’s Spirit is always moving, even in subtle ways. Change does not always come with fanfare; sometimes it whispers. As a church, we are called to notice these quiet shifts—in our community, as well as in our hearts—and to give thanks that God is present in every season, guiding us with grace into what comes next.

LAST SUNDAY we pondered one of Jesus’ stranger parables as recorded in Luke 16:1-13—the Parable of the Dishonest Manager. It sounded like this crook was praised by Jesus for ripping off his boss! So what is Jesus telling us about the Kingdom of God in this odd story? Well, we considered that perhaps Jesus was focusing on forgiving the debts of others. And we asked ourselves, who do I need to forgive? And who do I need to ask to forgive me? I hope we’ll all keep these questions in mind day by day, as forgiveness is vitally important for a growing spiritual life.

THIS SUNDAY we’ll dig into Jeremiah 32:1-3a,6-15; Psalm 91:1-6; and Luke 16:19-31 and discover how important the idea of “home” is in the Scriptures. Home is more than the four walls around us. Home is where the hope is! It’s the place where we are known, accepted, and rooted. What happens when we lose that sort of place? And how might we trust that we always have a home with God, who calls us to open our own homes in hospitality and love? Let’s see what we can find out for living our lives as Jesus’ followers.

THIS SUNDAY we’ll also continue our Adult Sunday School series, “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. This week we’ll consider the emotion of Anger. Join us for an interesting, fun, and stimulating session!

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+