HeartBeat—August 2014

A Message from Pastor Angela

Come to me…

Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.—Matthew 11:28–30

My friends, I’m here to remind you that summer is not yet over! I pray that you are finding time for rest, renewal, and separation from the strains of every day life and the business of day-to-day demands.

Earlier in this reading from Matthew, Jesus reminds the crowd that some people thought John the Baptist was possessed with a demon, yet he lived a life of self-denial and simplicity. Jesus himself lived his life overturning injustices and unveiling the ways that the world’s attitudes and rules reflected a separation from wholeness in God’s love.

Jesus pointed out that sin could come from twisting the law to cause loss of humanity and life. In other words, we can sometimes be drawn in to action, beliefs, or even ways of living that draw us away from God and distract us—even when those ways, beliefs, or actions seem to be in line with the norms of this world surrounding us.

Jesus does not tell us that it is an easy task to break free of those things that draw us away from God and separate us from the love of God. In fact, there is a cost in following this path towards God’s love.

This is what often makes it difficult to love. We can be so in tune to the world around us and the way in which the world acts that we miss the bigger picture. When we follow God’s call and live in tune with God’s word in Jesus, there may be times that it feels like we have to work really hard to align ourselves in a holy way of living and not the world’s way of apathy, division, or even plan old busyness.

This summer, you as a congregation supported many opportunities for young people to set time aside to be with other kids to explore faith, and to listen more deeply to God. Day camp, Bible camp, and youth gatherings are all opportunities for our young people and are precious in their faith development and growth.

As adults, we too need to set time aside to connect to the Holy—to realign ourselves with God and God’s love for us—and to eliminate distractions and things that would seek to separate us from God. This is true ven if these distractions seem to fit with the norms in the world around us.

Words, no matter how profound, cannot really describe the love we receive in Jesus Christ and the power of God through this gift of love and life. These are truly holy gifts to receive and to give in return.

We are, I think, called to a profound simplicity in our life with Christ. This is the Christ who calls us to lay our burdens down and find rest. Oftentimes, we can’t articulate it well, but I think our deepest desire is to be in union with God and not distracted by the world around us. Some may call it inner peace, others may call it being in a “Zen” state of being, or others might call it freedom from self. Scripture calls it loving God and loving our neighbor.

Jesus gave us these most reassuring words: “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Trust those words of Jesus Christ. Lay yourself upon them in those moments, days, or weeks where life just seems too heavy to carry. Find time to remove distractions and connect closer to God. Live into these words and you will experience the freedom living with a God whose love is unbounded and unabashed. Rest your souls, the burden is light.

Yours on the journey,
Pastor Angela

A Mahalo from Pastor Jeff

Dearest Friends,

Mahalo nui loa for the generous (and totally unexpected) sabbatical sending gift. Your generosity and love are truly overwhelming. I feel truly blessed to share this ministry with you! I look forward to returning to your midst in October, but give thanks to God and to all of you for this gift of time away.

Blessings,
Pastor Jeff

Food For Thought Update

The August meeting of Food for Thought has been postponed. We hope to have a September date to be announced in the next HeartBeat.

Newcomers’ Conversation

Whether you have been worshiping with LCH for a while or are brand new to the congregation, perhaps you’d like to learn more about this family of faith. Perhaps you’re curious about what it means to be a formal member of this ‘ohana instead of a regular visitor.

All newcomers are invited to an informal conversation on Sunday, August 24, following morning worship. If interested, new members will be received during worship a little later in the fall. For more information, speak with Pastor Angela or call the church office.

Lutheranism 101

Wednesdays, August 27–September 10

Join the conversation, explore core Lutheran concepts, and discover how they connect to everyday life. The course will be rather informal but both informative and engaging. We will meet for three weeks in the Boardroom from 6:45 to 7:45 pm.

This is a good opportunity for people both new to the Lutheran church and those who have been around for a while! Speak with Pastor Angela for more information and to RSVP.

Writers’ Workshop

August 25, 7:00–8:30 pm

Writers’ Workshop will have its next get-together on Monday, August 25, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at LCH. For information, please call Kathryn Klingebiel (808-943-6536 evenings, after August 12).

Prayers for the Brand family

You may remember a recent family here at LCH, Melissa, Jason and their young son, Jacob Brand. Jason recently retired from the Navy, and they moved back home to Pittsburgh, PA. Melissa has recently be diagnosed with leukemia and has asked for prayers.

The Honolulu deaf community they were also involved with is gathering money and items together to send care packages. If you’d like to contact Melissa and her family, contribute to the care packages or send a card, speak with Pastor Angela or the church office. You may also check out the donation website at www.gofundme.com/bcmeso.

Thank you for your prayers for this special need.

A message from our treasurer

From Sunday, June 29, 2014

Who are we? Sometimes a view from a different perspective can be helpful.

Tami and I first met Lutheran Church of Honolulu in the summer of 2005. I remember the welcome–friendly smiles, the aloha leis, people ready to chat with us before and after worship, and the coffee. Rather than kicking us to the curb because we were “just visitors”, people encouraged us to participate in Adult Forum after the worship service. We worshiped with you that summer and ultimately into October of that year. We were drawn by worship enhanced through the musicianship of the choirs and the organist. We were drawn by the Word preached. We looked forward to seeing our “new” friends, our brothers and sisters of LCH.

Several years later in 2011, we were worshiping with a congregation that met at the chapel on Ramstein AB, Germany. At that time, Tami learned she would be transferred to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawai‘i. Our choir director, when she learned that we were going to O‘ahu, said we must sing in the choir at LCH. She had been the choir director at Tierransanta Lutheran Church, San Diego, and shared that the LCH choir had an excellent reputation.

During that summer of 2011, Tami and I attended LCH and several other Lutheran churches around the island. April Smith greeted us that first Sunday and remembered Tami from our time with you back in 2005. We were also welcomed back by Miss Peggy, Bob, and Ray. We did not know where God was leading us as we looked for a new church home. At the time, we were living near the Valley of the Temples on the windward side, but, finally, God led us back to Lutheran Church of Honolulu.

Our faith life is stimulated here at LCH by the preaching of the Word, by the exploration at the Sunday morning Adult Forum, by the challenges of learning new choir music, and by the fellowship through the liturgy and at the communion rail. My life is blessed by helping with One Pot One Hope and by helping with the Wounded Warriors’ meal at K-Bay. I have grown in appreciation of what is happening here at LCH by being on the church council and through observing the many ministries at LCH, such as IHS, Godly Play, and the second annual Day Camp, which starts again tomorrow.

Last winter the congregation went through a budgeting process anticipating what our financial obligations and resources would be during 2014. We thought about our mission and ministry and how to accomplish that during this time. We thought about what financial resources would be available to accomplish God’s mission and our ministry here. Hard decisions were faithfully made. We called Pastor Angela to be our co-pastor. We saw our ministry expanding with the shepherding of two pastors.

Our budget reflected that expansion. We adopted a budget that anticipated an increase of 10–12% in membership giving above what was given in 2013. That was a challenging increase. Our members accepted that challenge by adopting the budget.

Over the past five months, from the beginning of January through the end of May, we have not seemed to be up to that financial challenge. We have seen an increasing deficit averaging nearly $7,000 per month. The adopted budget did anticipate a possible deficit, but not one that high. Of the $50K we set aside to meet the possible deficit, we have now tapped into $40K. These funds are coming from dollars we set aside in previous years.

Our obligation is to stay within budget. It is our income sources that are lagging behind this year so far.

I share this with you so you will be informed. I share this with you so together we may pray for God’s guidance in this mission and ministry. I share this with you so you might pray to discover how God wants you to respond.

Last Sunday, Pastor Jeff helped us to reflect on the Gospel reading from the book of Matthew. That reading told of Jesus sending the disciples to witness to the people in the surrounding area without the disciples having prudent provisions. He encouraged them saying, “Do not be afraid.”

What is Jesus saying to us? I’d like to believe Jesus is saying, “Get on with it! Don’t be afraid!”

Gary Brauer
Church Council Treasurer

Almost Time for Godly Play

One of the things we teach in Godly Play is the circle of the church year. It sounds as if it would be a dry subject but the children love it! It makes them feel included in the larger, adult group of LCH when they understand the color changes on the altar and the flow of the ecumenical year.

The first thing they look at when they come into the Godly Play room is the large circle of the church year on the wall. To help young children learn how to tell “church time” there is a pointer that moves each Sunday to show where we are on the wheel of the year. This helps them learn the number of weeks in each season and the liturgical colors. Just another unique and educational aspect of the new Godly Play curriculum!

Notary Services Available to LCH’ers

Cheryl Kaster, a certified notary, has offered her services free of charge to anyone mentioning their affiliation with LCH. If you are in need of notary services take advantage of this generous offer and contact her at 808-348-1892 or honestnotary@gmail.com. Thank you Cheryl!

The LCH ‘ohana gathered together on Sunday, July 13, at Oeno Winemaking for some good conversation and good food while they undertook the the all-important task of bottling and labeling this year’s LCH wine!

Council Highlights from July

• Pastor Jeff was sent off on his sabbatical time at our July meeting with special prayers, blessings, mahalos, tacos, and chocolate cake!
• Four candidates have been interviewed for the parish administrator position. Sarah will continue on with us to assist with the transition until August 20 if necessary.
• Three people have expressed interest in helping lead the congregation in the sabbatical project. Community leaders of the Makiki neighborhood will be contacted for their input as to the needs of our community. Olivia Castro and Jim Niermann continue to lead the organizing process.
• Music director task force has had several successful meetings. They are finalizing the job description and hope to post the job opening in the next few weeks.
• Financial review committee needs one new member. Please speak with Randy Castello or Pastor Angela if you are willing to serve.
• The Treasurer’s Report continues to show a $5,000 monthly deficit in expected stewardship giving. Most operating expenses are being held to budgeted amounts.
• Drafting Solutions, LLC, is submitting a statement from the manufacturer in Japan regarding the wind rating of the courtyard canopy materials. We are still waiting for permit approval so that installation can begin. The materials have arrived on island and are being stored at Kunkelworks until permit is received.

Evening Prayer on Sabbatical

During the months of June, July and August, Evening Prayer will take a break from meeting its usual first and third Sundays. We pray that you will have a blessed and restful summer.

Mahalo to Sarah!

Sarah Roseberg returned to us here at LCH to aid in office staffing transition for the summer months! Sarah will be leaving us (again) August 18 to begin her new adventures and schooling in California! Please be sure to stop by the office or send her a note to offer your best wishes and mahalos to Sarah for her service! We’ll miss you, Sarah! Thank you for being a part of the LCH ‘ohana!

Office Transition & Hours

September 1 we will begin new office hours at LCH. Office hours will be from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Pastor will be available most days still until 4:30 pm, and you’re always welcome to call or email to make an appointment for during or after hours. Thank you for your flexibility with the slight change. Please also note, the Church Council is in the hire process for a new office administrator. If all goes well, she will begin ministry with us here at LCH early August. Stay tuned for more information and thank you for the prayers during this transition.

Music Director Search

For the last few weeks, the Music Director Search Committee has been working together to define goals for the search and refine the job description. Advertisements for the position will be going out shortly. If you have questions or concerns about the process, please direct them to Randy Castello, chair of the search committee or to Pastor Angela.

Hawai‘i Participates in the Western States Youth Gathering

Teens and leaders from ELCA congregations on Maui and O‘ahu who attended the Western States Youth Gathering (WSYG) at California Lutheran University from June 27 through July 1.

Pastor Angela and the teens from O‘ahu who attended WSYG.

Attendance and Offerings for July

Date	Worship Service	Attendance	Offering Fund	Amount
July 6	9:15 am Service	104	Offering	$3,026
			Sunday School	$3
July 13	9:15 am Service	68	Offering	$2,027
			Sunday School	$3
			Mission Campaign	$60
July 20	9:15 am Service	61	Offering	$1,924
			Sunday School	$2
			Angels Network	$10
			Social Ministries	$48
			Hörmann Courtyard	$20
July 27	9:15 am Service	77	Offering	$13,781
			Sunday School	$2

HeartBeat Deadline

Tuesday, August 19, 9:00 am

Bob	Irene	Juanita
Carl	Irmgard	Karen
Diane	Jason	Kent
Fay	Jeff	Melissa
Gene	Jerry	Sylvia

August Birthdays

Date	Name
08/03	Elizabeth Pearson
08/04	Veronica Weeks
08/05	Nedra Walker
08/06	Sissy Arakawa
08/13	Alexa Sueda
08/14	Benjamin Fay
08/17	Gordon Wallace
08/18	Jean-Paul Klingebiel
08/24	Dennis Hethcote
08/27	Peggy Khan
08/29	Melissa Schmidt
08/29	Selena Schmidt

LCH Worship Participants

Choral Eucharist (9:15 am)
DATE	August 3	August 10	August 17	August 24	August 31
LECTOR	Jimmy Castro	Roy Helms	Cindy Scheinert	Angie Niermann	Fritz Fritschel
DEACON	Frank Haas	Mary Fastenau	Chuck Pearson	Jim Cartwright	Ray Herradura
SUB-DEACON	Jim Cartwright	Ray Herradura	Josie Bidgood	Mary Fastenau	Bob Tellander
COMMUNION ASSISTANTS	Sue Haas Randy Christensen	Peggy Anderson Bob Tellander	Phyllis Hormann Wayne Gau	Bobby Broyles Carolyn Koehler	Sheena Lim-Urban Stephanie Luuloa
LAYING ON OF HANDS		Jim Sullivan
ACOLYTES	Reid W. Iara N.	Nathalie J. Coco J.	Miranda L. Max W.	Lillie J. Iara N.	Savannah M. Azure S.
USHERS	Fred Benco Billie Jean Ries Craig Clissold Peter Flachsbart		ALTAR GUILD	Josie Bidgood Lori Nishimura Sheena Lim-Urban Hanna Kath Lois Watanabe
COUNCIL IN CHARGE	Craig Clissold

Calendar: August 2014

Day	Date	Event and Time
Sunday	August 3	9:15 am, Choral Eucharist
Thursday	August 7	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:00 pm, Holoholo Pickup 3:00 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting
Saturday	August 9	9:30 am, Financial Review Meeting
Sunday	August 10	9:15 am, Choral Eucharist
Tuesday	August 12	9:30 am, Hukilau Pastors’ Meeting
Wednesday	August 13	12:30 pm, Finance Committee Meeting
Thursday	August 14	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 3:00 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting
Friday	August 15	Office Closed—Statehood Day 1:00 pm, IHS Meals Prepared 5:30 pm, IHS Meals Served
Sunday	August 17	9:15 am, Choral Eucharist 10:45 pm, Sunday School Teachers’ Meeting
Tuesday	August 19	Heartbeat Deadline! 6:00 pm, Executive Council Meeting 6:30 pm, Council Meeting
Thursday	August 21	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:00 pm, Holoholo Pickup 3:00 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, Mutual Ministry Meeting
Sunday	August 24	9:15 am, Choral Eucharist 10:45 am, Newcomers Info Meeting
Monday	August 25	7:00 pm, Writers’ Workshop
Thursday	August 28	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 3:00 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting
Saturday	August 30	10:00 am, One Pot One Hope
Sunday	August 31	9:15 am, Choral Eucharist 10:45 pm, Godly Play Room Blessing