Moving from the Mountaintop to the Road Ahead

ALOHA kākou! Last Sunday as you know, we experienced quite a storm with heavy wind gusts and rain, and many of you wisely stayed home (or maybe it was for the Super Bowl?). I’m praying the weather this Sunday won’t keep you from coming to St. Tim’s, because it’s going to be a very special day!

THIS SUNDAY we stand at a turning point in the church year. On the Last Sunday after the Epiphany, we will glimpse glory one more time before the long, honest journey of Lent begins. In the Gospel account of the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9), Jesus is revealed to Peter, James, and John in radiant splendor on the mountaintop. Peter wants to stay there, and who wouldn’t? But the vision sends them back down the mountain and onto the road that leads toward Jerusalem and the cross. In the sermon we’ll reflect on what this moment asks of us, and what light Moses and the psalmist can shed on it. What does it mean to behold Christ’s glory, and then keep walking? How does Epiphany’s light prepare us, not for escape, but for faithfulness? Please join us this Sunday at 9 a.m. in the Chapel, or on Facebook Live.

LAST SUNDAY we heard Jesus entrust us with extraordinary influence: You are salt and light, he says (Matthew 5:13-20). Salt brings out flavor, preserves what is good, and quietly does its work. Light refuses to be hidden, shining not for its own sake, but so others can see more clearly. How have you experienced being salt and light in this bland and dark world this past week?

THIS SUNDAY is also our Shrove Sunday Waffle Brunch! Our thanks to Joe Cabrejos and Jacque Vaughn for spearheading this event, and for cooking the waffles and breakfast meats, and to all who are volunteering to help set up, serve, or clean up. This is our “Mardi Gras” before Lent begins. Please join us if you can and enjoy this wonderful brunchy feast!

NEXT WEDNESDAY is Ash Wednesday and the holy season of Lent begins. We’ll have services at 12 noon and 6 p.m., the imposition of the ashes with communion. Before the noon service I will informally bless our new purple altar hangings and vestments, but as a congregation we will dedicate them officially next week, on the First Sunday of Lent. Our thanks go to Evangeline Barney and her grandchildren Sydney and Boo for providing these beautiful pieces to enhance our worship!

THROUGHOUT LENT, we have some good things planned to help us all experience a meaningful season together at St. Timothy’s:

• On Wednesday evenings during Lent, February 25 – March 25, our Lenten Soup & Study series at 6 p.m. in Sumida Hall will use the book The Sign and the Sacrifice by former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams (copies are available for those interested). We’ll conclude our time with Compline. Please sign up on the clipboard in the chapel and let us know you’re coming, and if you can bring soup or bread.
• And a five-Sunday series of Adult Classes led by Laurie Luczak will focus on “Ho‘imi Pono,” helping us to seek right relationships, after worship every Sunday starting March 1, in the Vicar’s office.

I hope you can participate in these opportunities for spiritual growth in Lent!

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+