They Belong to God

ALOHA! As our stewardship season continues, I hope our prayer, “Lord, Widen Our Hearts,” is beginning to settle into us as more than just a campaign theme. It asks God to stretch our generosity, our compassion, our willingness to serve, and our sense of responsibility for the life we share together at St. Timothy’s. This Sunday, a stewardship packet addressed to you will be available at the back of the chapel. Please pick yours up when you’re here; any packets that remain will be mailed out afterward. If you’re not on our mailing list, feel free to pick up a packet with no addresses on them. Malaho!

THIS SUNDAY is also one of the most joyful days in our church year as we celebrate the Feast of St. Francis and bless the animals who share our lives. Our message, “They Belong to God,” grows out of the remarkable wildlife tour God gives Job (Job 39:1-18) and Jesus’ warning about mistaking possession for ownership (Luke 12:13-21). We love to speak of our pets, our homes, our resources. But Scripture keeps reminding us that creation belongs first to God, and so do we. We’ll think together about what that means for the animals we love, for the wider creation around us, and for the way we live as stewards rather than owners. Sometimes love means caring closely and tenderly. Sometimes it means protecting, preserving, and even giving space. In every case, the call is the same: to widen our hearts enough to recognize the holiness of what God has made. Please join us this Sunday at 9 a.m. in the Chapel, or on Facebook Live!

LAST SUNDAY our message was based on Exodus 17:1-7. The Israelites were in the wilderness again, and this time they were really thirsty. Their fear quickly turned into frustration, and finally they asked the question, “Is the Lord Among Us or Not?” It’s a question people of faith have asked in every generation. We ask it when life doesn’t unfold the way we hoped, when answers don’t come quickly, when we’re anxious about what lies ahead. We reflected on what it means to trust not only in God’s provision, but in God’s presence, especially when we can’t yet see where the water is going to come from. Have you been able to trust that God is with you this past week?

THIS SUNDAY, OUR ADULT CLASS ON THE SACRAMENTS CONCLUDES. Please join us in the Clergy Office after worship for session 3 of the 3-part series, “Signs and Grace.” This week we focus on the meaning of the sacrament of the Eucharist. Join in the conversation!

NEXT SUNDAY Rev. Karen Swanson will be preaching and presiding at the worship service. Don’t miss that blessing! From October 5 through 15, I’ll be off island, returning in time to participate in the Diocesan Annual Convention on October 16 and 17, and back for worship here on October 18. Rev. Karen will also be providing pastoral care as needed. If you need pastoral care while I am away, please call the office at 808-488-5747 or email Paul at [email protected] and he will get in touch with Rev. Karen. Mahalo!

DEAR SIBLINGS IN CHRIST, I’m deeply grateful for the many ways you share in the life and ministry of St. Timothy’s. Please continue to pray for our leaders and ministers, for me as your vicar, and for every member of our church ʻohana. As we continue through this season together, may our prayer remain simple and sincere: Lord, widen our hearts. Widen them in generosity, in compassion, in patience, and in love. May God renew us for the work ahead, deepen our care for one another and for our neighbors, and help us move forward with faith, hope, generosity, and joy.

Aloha Ke Akua!
Rev. Pete+