When the Story Isn’t Over Yet…

ALOHA! Last Sunday was a day we won’t soon forget. As Hurricane Lala moved through the islands, twelve hardy souls gathered for a shortened Eucharist service in the midst of the storm, while scores of others participated on Facebook Life. I’m deeply grateful for those who stepped up and helped make worship possible: Jo and Judy handled STEAM, Gail set up the altar, and Nancy served as Eucharistic Minister and lector. And before the service, Marge and Dan stuffed bags in the pantry for Outreach. We welcomed one visitor who was seeking an church that was open. As far as I know, only two or three other Episcopal churches on O‘ahu held in-person services that morning, so I give thanks for the faithfulness, flexibility, and good spirits of our St. Timothy’s ʻohana!

THIS SUNDAY, we’ll continue our Summer Sermon Road Trip: Following God in Real Life series with a turning point in the biblical story. Our reading, Exodus 1:8–2:10, begins after the time of Joseph, when a new Pharaoh arises “who did not know Joseph.” Generations have passed, memories have faded, and fear begins to shape the future. Yet even when people forget God’s faithfulness, God does not forget God’s people. This week’s sermon, “When the Story Isn’t Over Yet,” invites us to remember that God’s story continues even through fear, hardship, courage, and unexpected grace.

Please join us this Sunday at 9 a.m. in the Chapel, or on Facebook Live as we continue this journey of faith together!

LAST SUNDAY, we continued Joseph’s story in Genesis 45:1–15 with the sermon “When Grace Finally Breaks Through.” (In the service I offered a shorter version, and the full sermon is available to read on our church website blog.) Years had passed since Joseph’s brothers had thrown him in the pit and sold him as a slave. Now they stood before him in Egypt, not realizing who he was, and Joseph responded with mercy. This story reminded us that forgiveness is not denial, and reconciliation is rarely simple. But sometimes, over time, God’s grace finally breaks through. Have you seen grace breaking through in your life this past week?
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PLEASE HELP THIS SUNDAY! Our Annual Church Clean-Up will start after worship, with the return of the Ice Cream Truck with treats for our volunteers! We’ll also have the birthday cake from me to you to celebrate my happy birthday last week. So please come to church in work clothes and plan to stay and help us make our beautiful campus sparkle.

DEAR SIBLINGS IN CHRIST, I am 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 St. Timothy’s ʻohana. May God grant us faith for the journey, hope for the road ahead, and the assurance that God’s presence is always with us.

Aloha Ke Akua!
Rev. Pete+