Strengthening our faith in the midst of life’s mysteries

Aloha! Eastertide, the season of 50 days following the Resurrection of Jesus on Easter, continues all the way to Pentecost Sunday. The joy continues at St. Timothy’s!

May 8 was certainly an auspicious day: not only did we have a new Pope in Leo IV, but my granddaughter Maya Rae was born that morning to my son Matt and his wife Mayra (whom many of you met at Christmastime)! Big sister Mia June is delighted to have a little sister. Everyone is fine, but please keep them in your prayers. Mahalo!

Don’t forget! We are planning a special Mother’s Day celebration this Sunday, May 11. We will distribute long-stem red roses to all the women during the service, and during our fellowship time a hardy crew of men will prepare and serve a pancake brunch. So come be part of this day on which we honor our mothers!

By the way, in last week’s Epistle I noted that this Sunday we would be admitting new members to the Daughters of the King chapter here during the service. However, that will be rescheduled soon to ensure everyone can participate. Please keep our faithful Daughters and the new members-to-be in your prayers!

Last Sunday, we considered a post-resurrection appearance of Jesus Christ from John 21:1-19. Jesus beckoned his surprised disciples, who’d gone fishing after such a tumultuous time, to come eat a grilled fish breakfast with him on the shore. He guided Peter to face what he had done, to forgive himself for denying and abandoning Jesus at his darkest hour. And he called him to “feed my sheep,” “tend my lambs,” and “follow me.” Jesus loves to make himself known, and he did so also to Saul, who became the Apostle Paul (Acts 9:1-20). Jesus is full of surprises! Has he made himself known to you in the past week? How has Jesus surprised you lately?

This Sunday, we will be exploring the mystery of life as revealed in Psalm 23, Revelation 7:9-17, and John 10:22-30. How do we make sense of all the vagaries of life, and how can we strengthen our faith in the midst of life’s mysteries? Let’s find out. (By the way, if you listen to the Day1 radio program linked below, this sermon will sound familiar!)

Now, you may be curious as to why we don’t have the confession and absolution during the worship service in Eastertide. In Episcopal Churches, the tradition is that the General Confession is omitted during the Easter season. This practice is rooted in the belief that Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which represents the triumph over sin and death, and offers a renewed focus on forgiveness and reconciliation. Eastertide is a time to focus on the joy of the resurrection and the belief that Christ's sacrifice provides forgiveness. Omitting the General Confession allows for a shift in focus from acknowledging sin to celebrating God's grace and love. And, some believe that the faithful have had ample opportunity to confess their sins during
Lent! The confession will return after Eastertide.

Please note! Dan and I will be away on vacation to Japan May 12-27, and I’m very grateful that Rev. Karen Swanson will be here to preach and celebrate on May 18 and 25. If you are in need of pastoral care, please reach out to Paul Mahuka at 808-488-5747 or [email protected] and let him know, and he will pass the information along to Rev. Karen. And please keep Dan and me in your prayers for safe and healthy travels as we explore Japan on a cruise. Mahalo!

Dear sisters and brothers, you are in my prayers, and I ask for your prayers for St. Timothy’s Church, for our dedicated staff and our devoted lay leaders and ministers, and for your vicar. May God bless you and your loved ones during this most glorious and joyful season of our faith.
 
Aloha Ke Akua!
Fr. Pete+

Our Vicar is on the Radio

Rev. Peter is this week’s featured preacher on the national Day1 program, which airs on radio
stations across the country and on podcast apps. For 22 years, Peter was the executive producer
and host of Day1, before coming to St. Timothy’s last year.

You can listen or read his sermon for this coming Sunday here: https://mailchi.mp/day1/4181

And here’s part of his interview with host Katie Givens Kime on “The Sacrament of Doubt”:
https://day1.org/articles/68112e706615fbc35b005cb9/the-sacrament-of-doubt