One gentle step at a time...

ALOHA! As we continue to move through Advent toward the second candle lit this Sunday, I’ve been thinking about how this season isn’t about speeding up—even though everything around us seems to be getting louder and busier. Advent gently reminds us to take a breath, slow our pace, and pay attention to the small ways God is already nudging hope back into our lives. Moving forward right now doesn’t have to be dramatic. It can be as simple as lighting a candle, saying a quick prayer in the car, or taking a moment to notice where grace showed up in your day. These little practices open our hearts bit by bit, making room for the light Christ brings. So as we walk these next weeks together, let’s do it with a sense of calm expectation. No pressure, no perfection—just a steady openness to God’s presence and a willingness to be surprised by joy. Advent is leading us toward something beautiful. Let’s take it all in, one gentle step at a time.

LAST SUNDAY as we began our Advent journey, we dedicated a beautiful new Advent blue chasuble and stole. We are grateful to Nancy Chun for this donation. And in the sermon, we considered the “end times” Jesus spoke about in Matthew 24:36-44, when he called us to “keep awake.” Advent is a season of vigilant waiting, a waiting that stays awake to God’s presence breaking into our world in quiet, surprising ways. And while we wait, as the psalmist put it, “I will seek to do you good”! How have you been waiting for the light of the coming of the Christ child this week? And how have you been doing good for others?

THIS SUNDAY, John the Baptist bursts onto the scene, calling the people to repent, to turn toward God, and to prepare the way of the Lord. John says Jesus is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire (Matthew 3:1-12). So let’s get ready! What does repentance look like for us today? And how might we do that together? Let’s see what we can find out! Please join us as we continue our journey to the manger this Sunday at 9 a.m. in the Chapel, or on Facebook Live.

HEALING PRAYER SERVICE: This past Wednesday we had our first Advent Healing Prayer Service with communion from the reserved sacrament. We’ll meet again on December 10 and 17. Join us in the Chapel at 9 a.m. to experience a mid-week uplift!

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+