Living Fearlessly in the Light

ALOHA! Our journey in the season of Epiphany continues, and this Sunday—the Third Sunday after the Epiphany—we’ll hear the Psalmist’s confident declaration: “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1). It’s a brave affirmation, especially when life feels less like a sunrise and more like a dimmer switch. Yet Psalm 27 doesn’t pretend trouble isn’t real; it simply refuses to let trouble have the last word: “In the day of trouble he shall keep me safe in his shelter” (v.5) is not a promise of an easy week, but of a faithful and humble heart. So, whether you show up on Sunday at St. Timothy’s feeling joyful, weary, hopeful, or just held together by coffee and sheer will—welcome! Together, let’s practice looking toward the Light until courage quietly returns.

THIS SUNDAY we’ll dive more deeply into Psalm 27. By the way, how do you start your day? I’ll share my little secret about how I start mine with the promise God makes through this beautiful psalm. Please join us this Sunday at 9 a.m. in the Chapel, or on Facebook Live.

LAST SUNDAY, we explored John 1:29-42. We learned how an ordinary hour — “about four in the afternoon” — became the moment everything changed for those first disciples, and how God still enters our ordinary, everyday times. Have you been taking time this past week to “abide” in Christ’s presence, whether at 4:00 or any time of the day or night?

COMING THIS SUNDAY: Our Annual Meeting will be held in Sumida Hall at 10:30 a.m., following the worship service. Sandwiches, chips, and refreshments will be provided. Please plan to join us — we need your participation! We will be electing new Bishop’s Committee members and Diocesan Convention delegates, approving new bylaws, and answering your questions. The printed Annual Meeting Report was available last Sunday and is available on our website — please read it
carefully ahead of time and bring your questions!

LOOKING AHEAD: On Sunday, February 1, after our morning worship, I invite you to join me in the Vicar’s Office to learn more about my sabbatical plans for 2027 (you’ll hear about this at our Annual Meeting this Sunday). I’ll be happy to share more information, get your ideas, and answer any questions about what’s ahead.

THE SEASON OF LENT IS COMING! We have some good things planned to help us all experience a meaningful Lent together at St. Timothy’s. Before it all starts, we’ll have a special Shrove Sunday Waffle Brunch on February 15 after worship. Then on Ash Wednesday, February 18, our services with the imposition of ashes and communion will be at 12 noon and 6 p.m. On Wednesday evenings during Lent, February 25 – March 25, we’ll have our Lenten Soup & Study series at 6 p.m. in Sumida Hall, using the book The Sign and the Sacrifice by former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams
(copies are available for those interested). And we’ll have a wonderful series of Sunday Adult Classes led by Laurie Luczak on “Ho‘imi Pono,” helping us seek right relationships, after worship on March 1 – 29. Please plan to participate in these opportunities for spiritual growth!

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.  

P.S. I will be attending the Diocesan Clergy Retreat at Camp Mokule'ia next Monday through Wednesday, January 26-28. Please pray for our Bishop and clergy as we gather for fellowship and spiritual growth. 

Aloha Ke Akua!
Fr. Pete+