Peace Be With You!

ALOHA kākou! Our celebration of Holy Week and Easter was truly a communal offering of faith and devotion. I am deeply grateful for all who served so faithfully: our Altar Guild (and especially Sylvia and Kurt for all their extra efforts!), our STEAM AV team, Eucharistic Ministers, lectors, Zach and all our Choir members, Sue Ann and Paul for preparing and printing all the bulletins, our ushers, acolytes, and so many others whose gifts made our worship so meaningful and beautiful. Your ministry helps proclaim the Good News in word, music, and action. Mahalo! Now, as we move forward in the Easter season, may we continue to receive Christ’s peace as we are sent out, renewed and strengthened for the life of faith.

THIS SUNDAY, we are honored and delighted to have the Rev. Karen Swanson as our preacher and celebrant. We’ll hear again the story from John’s Gospel (20:19–31) where the risen Christ comes among the disciples in their fear, speaks peace, and breathes new life into them. It is a tender and powerful reminder that resurrection is not only a past event, but a present reality, meeting us where we are, even behind our own locked doors. Please join us Sunday at 9 a.m. in the Chapel, or on Facebook Live.

LAST SUNDAY WAS EASTER DAY! And we heard the story of the Resurrection from John 20:1-18 as we concluded our “Witnesses along the Way” series of Holy Week sermons, hearing the exciting events from the perspective of eyewitnesses. Jesus told his disciples to “go and tell”—and that’s our assignment as well. How have you been fulfilling your assignment this week?

STARTING APRIL 19: “CONFIRMING FAITH” ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS: We’re planning a special series of classes for anyone who wishes to be confirmed in The Episcopal Church, or anyone who is interested in understanding more about the faith from an Episcopal point of view. We’ll meet after worship in the Vicar’s Office on most Sundays from April 19 through August 2 (dates subject to change). We’ll be using the book Faith Confirmed by Peter Jackson and Chris Wright (Forward Movement Publishers). See the announcement below for more information. Everyone is welcome! I hope you will plan to join us as we explore the basics of our Christian faith and the sacraments of The Episcopal Church. It’s a great way to refresh and renew your faith during Eastertide!

BISHOP CANDIDATES MEET AND GREET: I want to highlight the announcement below about the Bishop Candidates Meet and Greet here at St. Timothy’s on Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m. till 1 p.m. You’ll have the opportunity to meet the three candidates, one of whom will become the next Bishop of the Diocese of Hawai‘i. The Transition Committee asks that those who plan to attend REGISTER at https://episcopalhawaii.jotform.com/team/dsc-office/meet-greet-rsvp. It will also be available to watch on Facebook Live. Please keep our candidates and this process in your prayers.

+BISHOP BOB TO VISIT ON MAY 3: And, we will have the opportunity to offer an official “Mahalo and A Hui Hou!” to Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick, who will make his final visitation to St. Timothy’s on Sunday, May 3, when he will preach and preside. Please come and help us celebrate his ministry! Plan to bring something delicious to share during fellowship in Sumida Hall.

Beloved brothers and sisters, I hold you in my prayers in this most glorious season of Eastertide. 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!
Rev. Pete+