Learning to Live Honestly before God

ALOHA kākou! Have you noticed? Sometimes the most important conversations in our lives happen at night. When the house is quiet. When distractions fall away. When the questions we usually push aside begin to rise… Questions like: What really matters? What is my life’s purpose now? Where is God leading me now?

THIS SUNDAY, on the Second Sunday in Lent, we meet Nicodemus, a respected religious leader who comes to Jesus under cover of darkness to ask such questions. He is faithful, thoughtful, sincere, and searching. And in that quiet encounter, Jesus speaks words that have echoed through the centuries: “You must be born from above.” What does that mean for us, here, now? Not as an abstract doctrine, but as a way of living honestly before God? As the season of Lent continues, we move from simply telling the truth about ourselves to something deeper: learning to trust God enough to begin again, to live authentically, born anew in the Spirit. Let’s find out how. Please join us this Sunday at 9 a.m. in the Chapel, or on Facebook Live.

LAST SUNDAY, we stepped fully into Lent and into the wilderness of life’s tests. We heard about Jesus’ forty days of testing (Matthew 4:1-11), and were invited to examine our own hearts with honesty and courage. Jesus faced serious tests in the wilderness, and we too face crucial tests in life—and we’re encouraged to respond to them with confidence in God’s promises in the Scriptures, as Jesus did. So how did you do this week in facing your life’s tests?

THIS SUNDAY we begin our five-Sunday series of Adult Classes led by Laurie Luczak: “Ho‘imi Pono,” seeking right relationships. Join us after worship in the Vicar’s office for some thoughtful teaching and helpful conversations.

AND DON’T FORGET: Our Wednesday evening Lenten Soup & Study meets at 6 p.m. in Sumida Hall. We’re using the book The Sign and the Sacrifice by former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams (a few copies are still available for participants). We conclude our time with Compline. Please sign up on the clipboard in the chapel for the upcoming weeks—let us know you’re coming and if you can bring soup or bread.

Beloved brothers and sisters, I hold you in my prayers. I ask your faithful prayers for St. Timothy’s Church, for those who lead and serve, for every member of our ‘ohana, and for your vicar. May the blessing of Almighty God be upon you and remain with you always. 

Aloha Ke Akua!
Fr. Pete+