What can we learn about our life in God from a basket of summer fruit and a green olive tree?

Aloha! This is another eventful week at St. Timothy’s—on Monday the prisoner reentry program backpacks that we blessed on Sunday were picked up by Fr. Kaleo Patterson for distribution… on Tuesday we had our Outreach grocery distribution to our neighbors in need… on Thursday we had our Foodbank pickup and a choir rehearsal for the concert this Sunday… and on Saturday we’ll have our monthly Bishop’s Committee meeting. I’m grateful for the active participation of so many volunteers, who are putting into action the word we heard last Sunday about loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loving our neighbors as ourselves.

Last Sunday we met the prophet Amos, a sheep farmer and sycamore dresser by profession (a blue-collar worker!) who publicly condemned the evils of his day (which sound familiar today). We considered the object lesson God gave him: God set a plumb line to see if Israel was crooked and out of plumb (Amos 7:7-17). We also explored Jesus’ words in Luke 10:25-37, which tell us how to live “in plumb” with God’s will by loving and serving God and one another. “Do this, and you will live,” eternally, Jesus says.

This Sunday we’ll explore Amos 8:1-12, Psalm 52, and Luke 10:38-42. Amos describes another image that God gave him about Israel—a basket of summer fruit. It looks nice, can be delicious, but it is just about to start rotting. That’s what is happening to Israel because they are ignoring God’s will, God’s priorities for the poor and needy. But Psalm 52 gives us another picture: a green olive tree deeply rooted into God’s will. Like Martha in Luke 10, we tend to worry and get distracted by many things—so how can we focus on God and build those deep roots? Let’s find out!

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This Sunday we’ll also continue our series of “Ministry Minutes” during the announcements time, to bring you up to date about the various ministries happening at St. Timothy’s. Last Sunday we heard from Gail Layco about our Altar Guild, and this week we’ll hear from Sue Ann Wargo about the Eucharistic Minister and Lector ministry.

So please join us on Sunday morning at 9 in the Chapel, or worship with us on Facebook Live.
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Don’t forget! This Sunday is the First Annual (we hope!) St. Timothy’s Jazzikapila Concert at 10:30, right after worship and a brief fellowship time (which can continue after the concert). It’s sure to be a fun and inspiring musical celebration courtesy of our musician, Zach Hamada, our choir members, and friends. Please come and be uplifted and inspired as we enjoy their wonderful talents.

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 devoted lay leaders and ministers, and for your vicar. May God bless you and your loved ones always.
 
Aloha Ke Akua!
Fr. Pete+