When the Wind Blows…!

ALOHA kākou! As the great fifty days of Easter draw to a close, the Church arrives at one of its most vivid and dramatic celebrations: the Day of Pentecost. In Acts 2:1–21, the Holy Spirit descends with wind and flame, transforming a frightened group of disciples into a bold community ready to carry Christ’s message into the world. This year, Pentecost also comes alongside Memorial Day weekend, inviting us to reflect both on the human cost of conflict and division in our world and on the Spirit’s power to renew life. In the sermon, “When the Wind Blows,” we’ll explore what it means to open ourselves to the movement of God’s Spirit, even in anxious and uncertain times.

WEAR RED THIS SUNDAY to celebrate Pentecost! We will start our service with a new hymn composed by our own Zachary Hamada with words by yours truly. And we’ll conclude the service with a special anthem in honor of Memorial Day, suggested by Phil Gray: “The Mansions of the Lord.” Please join us Sunday at 9 a.m. in the Chapel, or on Facebook Live!

LAST SUNDAY, we reflected on Acts 1:6–14, John 17:1–11, and especially 1 Peter 4:12–14 and 5:6–11. Writing to early Christians facing anxiety, suspicion, and social pressure, Peter offers not panic or prediction, but a way of life: stay grounded in prayer, hold fast to love, practice hospitality, serve one another, and trust that God is still at work even in troubled times. In a noisy and anxious world, these ancient words may speak to us more powerfully than ever. Have you tried to follow St. Peter’s advice this past week?

THIS SUNDAY: “CONFIRMING FAITH” ADULT CLASS CONTINUES! It’s open for anyone interested in understanding more about the Christian faith. Our topic this week is The Holy Spirit. Join us for some insightful information and conversation! Note that we will not have class on May 31.

COMING MAY 31: Our Keiki/Youth Service! Our young people of all ages will be serving in worship, and Rev. Karen Swanson will preside and Shannon Casey will preach. We will also be honoring our graduates. Please come and support our wonderful keiki and their teachers.

I will be on vacation from Wednesday, May 27, through Friday, June 5. Rev. Karen will be available for any pastoral needs while I’m away. Please contact the church office if you need pastoral care during that time, and Rev. Karen will be notified.

Beloved siblings in Christ, may the wind of the Spirit move gently through your life in this holy season of Pentecost, renewing your faith, strengthening your heart, and drawing you ever closer to the love of Christ. I hold you in my prayers and ask your faithful prayers for St. Timothy’s Church, for all who lead and serve, for every member of our church ʻohana, and for your vicar. May the blessing of Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you always.

Aloha Ke Akua!
Rev. Pete+

P.S. A Word about Our Bishop Election:

Most of you know that the Diocese of Hawai‘i elected its next bishop on May 16, and our congratulations go to the Rev. Elizabeth “Libby” Berman! You’ll find more information about this below.

Moments like this are deeply important in the life of the Church. They invite us not only to look ahead with hope, but also to pause and reflect on who we are as a diocesan ‘ohana and how we walk together through times of change.

Transitions in the Church are never easy. The calling of a bishop carries great meaning and faithful people often bring different hopes, perspectives, and expectations into the process. That diversity of feeling is natural. Some greet the outcome with excitement and celebration, while others may still be processing disappointment, uncertainty, or mixed emotions. All those responses are part of being human and part of being the Church.

I am deeply thankful for everyone who helped guide this season of discernment, those who worked quietly behind the scenes on the Search and Transition Committees, those who prayed faithfully throughout the process, and especially those who were willing to place their own names before the Church in openness to God’s call. The Rev. Canon Andrew Arakawa, Rev. Tim Yanni, and Bishop-elect Libby Berman each stepped into a demanding and vulnerable process with grace and courage. Simply being willing to imagine oneself in such a role of leadership and service is no small thing.

Please continue to pray for Bishop Bob, for Bishop-elect Libby as she prepares for this new ministry, and for Canon Andrew and Father Tim. Offering oneself for episcopal discernment requires an extraordinary combination of faith, humility, courage, and love for the Church. It means accepting scrutiny, uncertainty, and emotional vulnerability in a very public way, all for the sake of serving Christ and God’s people.

I hope we will take time to express our appreciation to those who participated in this process. Elections inevitably produce one outcome, but the deeper story is the willingness of faithful people to say yes when the Church asks them to discern a call. That willingness is itself a gift to the Church, and we are grateful for it. Mahalo!

--Rev. Pete+