Renewing Our Baptismal Vows

ALOHA! This Sunday we will stand with Jesus at the waters of the Jordan. The Baptism of the Lord marks a turning point in the Gospel story—a quiet, holy moment when Jesus steps into the river alongside everyone else, not apart from them. As John baptizes him, the heavens open, the Spirit descends like a dove, and a voice speaks words of blessing and delight: “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” Before Jesus teaches, heals, or walks the hard road ahead, he is called “Beloved.” For us, this feast brings us back to our own baptism. It reminds us that our lives, too, are rooted in grace before they are shaped by effort or achievement. We are beloved before we are useful. We are claimed before we are sent. In a world hungry for worth and belonging, the Baptism of the Lord invites us to live into that truth—and to remember that the waters of grace still hold us, still call us, still send us forth in love.

THIS SUNDAY, January 11, I will be away, and the Rev. Carol Arney will celebrate and preach. Please welcome Rev. Carol back to St. Tim’s! During the service we will be renewing our baptismal vows. Please join us this Sunday at 9 a.m. in the Chapel, or on Facebook Live.

For Pastoral Care needs while I am away, please contact Paul in the church office at 808-488-5747 or [email protected] and he will reach out to Rev. Karen Swanson.

LAST SUNDAY we had a wonderful Christmastide treat to celebrate Epiphany: Our keiki, directed by our amazing Sunday school teachers, presented this year’s Epiphany Family Pageant during our worship service. Mahalo!

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+