Lord, Widen Our Hearts!

ALOHA! THIS SUNDAY we begin our annual stewardship season with a meaningful theme our stewardship team, led by David Caldwell, came up with: “Lord, Widen Our Hearts.” That’s a simple prayer, but a searching one. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be hearing from members of our ʻohana about the ways they are living into that call through service, generosity, compassion, and commitment here at St. Timothy’s.

I have recorded a video about the upcoming stewardship season. You can view it on Facebook at www.facebook.com/reel/1040275518840941​ or on St. Tim's YouTube channel here.

Stewardship, of course, is about much more than money. It’s about the shape of our lives and the openness of our hearts. What happens when God asks us to loosen our grip, let go of keeping score, and make more room for grace? That question is at the heart of this Sunday’s Gospel from Matthew 18:21-35. Peter asks Jesus to calculate for him how many times he must forgive someone who sins against him. Seven times? That sounds pretty generous! But Jesus gives him an answer that blows up the whole accounting system. In this Sunday’s message, “Lord, Widen Our Hearts,” we’ll explore what it means to stop keeping score, to receive the grace God so generously offers, and to let that grace reshape the way we live with one another. Please join us this Sunday at 9 a.m. in the Chapel, or on Facebook Live!

LAST SUNDAY, we focused on Matthew 18:15-20, which begins with a subject every church, family, and community knows something about: what do we do when people hurt one another? Jesus offered a way forward with teachings about truth-telling, accountability, forgiveness, and the hard work of reconciliation. Sure, we won’t always agree. We’ll sometimes disappoint or wound one another. But Christ keeps calling us back into relationship, back toward grace, and back toward one another. Have you had opportunities to practice reconciliation with loved ones or neighbors in your life this past week?

STARTING SEPTEMBER 20: ADULT CLASS ON THE SACRAMENTS. If you’re interested in learning more about the sacraments of the Church, including the Eucharist, please join us in my office after worship starting next week. This 3-session series, “Signs and Grace,” was developed by The Episcopal Church and Forward Movement and features videos and discussion.

THANKS TO GRACE MEDEIROS! Mahalo to Grace (and Logan for filling in!) for leading the Tech Tips class the past two Sundays. Those who participated really appreciated the help and information. Grace has agreed to offer more classes in October, so be watching for information. In the meantime, she’s always available to help or answer your questions about your smartphones, tablets, or computers. We give thanks to God for her—and please continue to pray for her healing. Aloha, Grace!

DEAR SIBLINGS IN CHRIST, I’m grateful for the many ways you share in the life and ministry of St. Timothy’s. Please continue to pray for our leaders and ministers, for me as your vicar, and for every member of our St. Timothy’s ʻohana. May God renew us for the work ahead, deepen our love for one another, and widen our hearts to receive and share the grace Christ so freely gives. And may we move forward with faith, generosity, and joy.

Aloha Ke Akua!
Rev. Pete+