HeartBeat—January 2015

A Message from Pastor Jeff

A New Beginning Wrapped in an Old Story

Once upon a time, John the Baptist stood on the banks of the Jordan proclaiming the coming of the Messiah saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’”

The urgency of John’s proclamation coupled with his insistent call to repent and come back to God seems to indicate that God was up to something new, exciting, and immediate. God’s people found themselves drifting away from the core of their faith, their land occupied by the Romans, and their social values challenged by poverty and power. John called them to the river to be washed, to start anew, to see things from a new perspective, and to prepare for the advent of God, which would be the beginning of the new age. But he wrapped his new and radical call to renewal in the ancient words of the much-revered prophet, Isaiah.

Isaiah brought words of hope to a people who had been devastated and scattered. Having spent thirty-plus chapters reminding God’s people why they were suffering, in the fortieth chapter Isaiah spoke words of hope. “Comfort, comfort now my people…” begins the chapter that spells out how God is—and always will be—with the people of God. John wrapped his insistent message of repentance and change with words of comfort, hope, and renewal. John’s message can seem harsh and demanding until we also hear in it the steady gift of hope that is the hallmark of God’s ancient redeeming story.

How will we hear God’s ancient story as we move into this New Year? The last twelve months have certainly brought sufficient challenges and changes! The transitioning of nearly the entire staff has certainly been difficult and at time heartbreaking. It is difficult to say farewell to Pastor Angela, who has been a truly faithful and inspiring leader and a faithful pastor. Not having her creativity and commitment will be a loss to the congregation, and I personally grieve losing a valued ministry partner. Dr. Felipe, who resigned his post as director of music and liturgy so that he can commit greater time to his primary vocation at the University of Hawai‘i, leaves us sharing the loss of a creative and dedicated leader whose gifts have truly been a blessing to the ministry here. Many are wondering what all this change might mean for the ministry to which we are called and are questioning the future of our congregation.

As I ponder all this change, the words of John remind me that, in the midst of this change and seeming turmoil and chaos, we are still wrapped in God’s ancient story of love, redemption, forgiveness, and presence. When we fall short, God brings words of comfort; when we are too full of ourselves, we are reminded to be humble; when we weep at loss or giggle with success, God remains with us drawing us deeper into the very heart of life. Though the shape of our ministry may shift, our leaders change, and our mission be redefined, the core of our very being and the subject of our call to ministry remains the same—to be the body of Christ in the world. Because we are wrapped in the ancient story, Martin Luther calls us to be bold proclaimers of God’s love. Because we are wrapped in the ancient story, Presiding Bishop Eaton can call us “to be the church” again and again. Because we are wrapped in the ancient story, we can love one another, encourage one another, and challenge one another in love.

As we embark on 2015, we begin the journey assured that God will dwell with us. And though we may stumble, make mistakes, be foolish sometimes and brilliant at others, God will accompany us and call us to take just one more step. May we be faithful in our steps and hopeful in journey, for God has made the ancient story our own story.

May God Bless You All,
Pastor Jeff

Help Wanted—We Need You!

Will you say “yes” to the invitation to serve your church? You are invited to assist in serving LCH by filling one or more of the following positions:

• 1 male and 1 female voting member of the congregation (to be elected at the 2nd half of the annual meeting) to attend the Pacifica Synod Assembly, May 28–30 in Riverside, CA. Travel and accommodations paid by LCH.
• 2 voting members to serve on the Church Council. We have one current unfilled vacancy and another upcoming in the year.
• 3 voting members to serve as a dedicated Personnel (Staff Support) Committee to assume responsibility for the hiring and mentoring of church staff members.
• 2 or 3 coordinators for the annual Punahou Carnival Parking fund raiser February 6–7.
• 1 or 2 congregants to serve as Property Committee chair or co-chair to ensure facilities maintenance items at the Church and at Luther Place apartments are accomplished in a timely manner and to oversee the continuing stewardship of our property.
• People to serve on established committees and teams: Worship and Music, Learning Ministry, Fellowship, Social Ministry, Stewardship, Property, Finance, Communications.
• People interested in growing and guiding the new Community Life team.
• Greeters: We need intentional greeters to welcome visitors with a smile and a lei and obtain their contact information (via guestbook and visitor cards) when they arrive for worship.
• Always needed: Worship assistants: acolytes, crucifers, lectors, communion assistants, deacons and sub-deacons, ushers, altar guild team members.
• Please contact Church Council members, Pastor Jeff, or the Church Office for more information on how you can participate in the life of our congregation.

Stewardship of Stuff

As we continue celebrating this magnificent Christmas season, let’s take time to thank God for the many blessings bestowed on us. And let’s commit to being good stewards of these blessings.

Let’s face it, during the Christmas season, most of us have gotten lots of stuff. We can probably say that in the U.S. God has blessed us too well with stuff. And what’s the result? I’m sure this doesn’t apply to anyone at LCH, but we all know people who are always longing for the bigger, newer, faster, or more powerful gadgets. And if we don’t know someone personally, we’ve all see people on TV who can’t bear to get rid of anything and become hoarders.

In our program of year-round stewardship, we’ve talked about bringing balance into our financial lives, and in December, Georgine talked about the ways we balance our time. During January we will be looking at our relationship with stuff. How can we be grateful for the blessings that God gives us and at the same time build a more compassionate future for our world.

The mystery of the incarnation we celebrate at Christmas tells us that this physical world matters to God—and so does what do we do with our stuff. I want to challenge all of us to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Over the Sundays in January, we will be looking at each of these in turn.

January 4 we will ask everyone to take the No New Stuff Challenge. The media will be full of advertisements tempting us to buy, but we ask you to refrain from buying new stuff. Of course, this doesn’t include those things we need to survive—food, toiletries, and so on—but if you need a new shirt or dress, consider a trip to a consignment store or thrift shop. They offer great selection of styles, colors, and choices; it’s not adding to the stuff already filling up our planet; and it may generate some income for an individual or worthwhile organization.

January 11 we will ask you to think about how you can reuse the stuff you already have. If you’re fond of something, why replace, discard or just stash it. It probably still has character, so why not try to repurpose it? I’ve discovered that old baskets can become original cat beds; big old bowls make amazing classic flowers pots, and old silverware can serve as tools for gardening. There is so much that can be repurposed; just give it some thought! And an extra, added benefit is that this strategy will help you with the No New Stuff Challenge.

January 18 we will focus on ways to recycle the stuff that can’t be reused. Recycling just takes a little effort and planning. We’ll make sure you have information on what’s available for us. And we’ll also talk about how we our plan for recycling within the LCH community on January 25.

January 25 we will host our Swap your Stuff Spectacular. Bring your formerly-prized possessions to give/share on the swap table in the courtyard. This is great for books you’ve read, DVDs you’ve finish watching, or other treasures. Of course, anything that’s leftover at the end of the day will be repurposed to local charities.

We hope you’ll all join us for this adventure as we work on our stewardship of stuff.

Peggy Anderson and the Stewardship Committee

Update on Balancing Our Financial Lives

The Stewardship Committee regrets that we could not hold Pr. Angela’s class on “Balancing Our Financial Lives,” but if you would like to work on your own household budget, our denomination has prepared a financial planning worksheet that you may find helpful. You can find it at download.elca.org/ELCA%20Resource%20Repository/Personal_Financial_Planning_Worksheet.pdf.

2015 Commitment Cards

Thanks to everyone who turned in their commitment cards in November and December. If you forgot, don’t worry, it’s not too late. Please send it in or drop it in the offering plate. If you need a new commitment card, there are some in the ushers’ stand at the back of the Nave, or you can download it from the website. Just go to www.lchwelcome.org/stewardship and follow the links for a PDF.

Thanks for your good stewardship of the resources God has given you.

Service of Farewell and Godspeed for Pastor Angela Freeman

Please join us this Sunday, January 4, as we celebrate the Epiphany of Our Lord and say farewell to our beloved Pastor Angela. After two-and-one-half years of dedicated service and dynamic ministry, Pastor Angela will return to the mainland to begin new adventures in life and ministry. We will miss her very much, and we give thanks to God for her time with us.

There will be a Liturgy of Thanksgiving at the Conclusion of a Call at both the 8:00 am and 10:30 am services. Please join us for a wonderful reception with Pastor Angela at 9:15 am.

There will be a calabash, located by the Rose Window in the Nave, for those who desire to share a personal message or give a personal (non-deductible) gift to Pastor Angela.

Members are encouraged to bring lei to the services to place on Pastor as a traditional sign of love and respect.

Godly Play—Sunday School News

Sunday School 9:20–10:20 am

LCH offers Sunday school for children from kindergarten through senior high. The older children (grades 6–12) meet in the Rainbow Room. The younger children (grades k–5) meet in the Godly Play Room. All are welcome!

Below is the schedule of Godly Play stories for January:

• January 4—Epiphany
• January 11—Holy Baptism
• January 18—Parable of the Good Shepherd
• January 25—Parable of the Leaven

O‘ahu Youth Gathering

January 4, 4:00–6:00 pm at St. Clement’s

The January Youth Group Gathering is right here in our neighborhood! If anyone would like a ride or needs more info, please let Pr. Angela know. Our topic is “forgiveness.” We’ll have dinner and lots of games and fun too!

Holoholo Pick-ups Back on Schedule

Thursday, January 8 and 22, 2:00–4:00 pm

Holoholo pick-ups are back to the normal bi-monthly schedule after the holidays. Holoholo General Store is a Community Supported Agriculture organization, or csa, that works with the Lutheran Church to bring you fresh produce from multiple local farms. Want to join? Just check out their website and sign up; bi-weekly prices range from $23 on up and LCH is a drop-off point. Visit www.holoholostore.com.

Process Thought Forum

Saturday, January 10, 9:30 am

The next Process Thought group will focus on Stephen Sondheim’s “Send in the Clowns.” There is a page on the Jesus, Jazz and Buddhism website that goes by the title of that song. You can look it up in that way. This month we will be meeting on the second Saturday, January 10th, 9:30–11:00 am

Exploring Boundaries and Beyond

Sunday, January 18 • Isenberg Hall • 6:00 pm

Art Mori, emeritus professor of chemistry, Chaminade University, presents “Chemical Elements: The Stuff of Stars.” Beginning with the hydrogen of the Big Bang and proceeding to the present day, astrophysical processes responsible for nucleosynthesis (the formation of elements) have resulted in the chemical evolution of the Universe. This illustrated lecture adds another dimension to our understanding of what happened “in the beginning.” This presentation is rescheduled from last October, cancelled due to Hurricane Ana.

Book Club

The LCH women’s book club will meet on Monday, January 19th, 10:00 am at the Murashiges. We will be discussing O Jerusalem by Laurie King. Our February book is Nine Parts Desire by Geraldine Brooks. Come join us for a fun morning of fellowship.

Writers’ Workshop

Monday, January 19, 7:00–8:30 pm

Writers’ Workshop will have its first get-together of the new year on Monday, January 19, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at LCH. Further dates for Spring will be chosen at that time. For information, please contact Kathryn Klingebiel through the Church Office (808-941-2566).

2014 Annual Meeting, part 2

Saturday, January 24 at 5:00 pm

Attention all congregants! Please plan to participate in the second half of our annual meeting on Saturday, January 24, beginning at 5:00 pm in Isenberg Hall. Child care will be provided.

We will have fellowship time (happy hour), followed by supper, and then on to the business of the congregation, which includes the presentation of council members, election of Synod Assembly delegates and approval of the 2015 budget.

Everyone is welcome. Voting members are especially encouraged to attend as your participation is essential to the life of the congregation.

Food for Thought

Saturday, January 31

The next meeting of Food for Thought has been scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 5:30–8:30 pm, at the home of Irmgard Hörmann. Please note the early hour, much appreciated by Irmgard and David. All are welcome for potluck supper, video, and discussion. For information, please contact Kathryn Klingebiel through the Church Office (808-941-2566).

Members Ask Questions on Proposed Budget

The following questions were raised at the discussions groups held in November and December. The questions are thoughtful and meaningful. Thank you for asking them. The answers come from the wise members of the Finance Committee. These questions and answers are published so that you can be better informed prior to the second half of the congregational meeting held in January when we consider adopting the proposed budget.

• Account 4.001.4001, Member and Plate Offerings—budget seems high with no support for that amount from previous years. After a review, the finance committee is confident in its budget amount based on an extrapolation of the 2014 actual giving to date.
• Could we use Bach concerts to increase income? That is a wonderful idea. Historically, the Bach concerts have not been income generating. We are seeking other ways to increase income such as by renting out the Isenberg Hall.
• 5.001.9001, Transfer to Capital Improvements—Why the increase of $1200 in 2015 budget? We saw a need to increase the contribution to cover anticipated expenses.
• 5.001.9010, Transfer to Poki Lot Maintenance—Why the increase of $600 in 2014 budget? Again, in anticipation of expenses, the contribution was increased. The lot is in need of sealing and restriping. That expense is more than what we currently have in the Poki Lot Maintenance Fund.
• Is there a plan to repay ourselves the $50,000 we took out of reserves in 2014 to balance the budget? No. The reserve funds are a carry-over from previous years when expenses were not as demanding. When income again exceeds expenses, those reserves will increase.
• Line items for Pastor Angela pay and allowances and benefits (created before resignation announcement)—Will severance be coming from payroll accounts? Yes.
• Account .7551, Bullitens & Printing-WM—Is the $1500 already rolled into .8402, Office Operating? Forgot to remove this figure from the line item? Good catch! Yes, it is, and, yes, I failed to zero out the Bulletins & Printing-WM line.
• Water expense—Because charges for the prior year may have been affected by BOW billing errors, is this accurate? We are not sure of the veracity of the BOW billing. We are erring on the side of caution.
• .8120, SUI-State Unemployment, and .8125, Lay Retirement—is the amount budgeted enough for 2015? What changed? With SUI-State Unemployment, we have a previous employee drawing unemployment thus affecting our rate. Regarding Lay Retirement, we have only one person eligible in budget year 2015.
• .8870, Pastor’s Prof Allowance—What type of expenses are included in this line since there is a separate line for continuing ed? This Allowance covers expenses such as tech and lunches. Has Pr. Angela’s portion been removed from this line? Yes, $500.
• .8875, Pastor’s Continuing Education—Same as .8870? No. See previous answer for .8870. .8875 is all about retirement.
• We should charge more for parking. Yes. The 2015 budget reflects a 3% increase. We have a proposal for a modest additional increase, but we think we are charging about what the market will bear.
• Everyone should get The Lutheran magazine. Agreed! Each month we have copies that someone did not pick up that month.
• Where is money for music director search/travel coming from? Those expenses are coming from account .7554, Other Music Expense-WM.
• How much is in the reserves, and how are they used? We anticipate the reserve balance to be $21,842 by the end of the year. Those funds will be used to cover the shortfall of the 2015 budget.
• We should be putting more $$ into Parish Programs. All of our Parish Programs have been fully funded based on the request of the chair of each program.
• Are there funds for VBS, summer camps? Yes. Those funds come from the earning of the Punahou Carnival Parking.
• Community Life projects would like $500 per quarter/$2000 a year for activities. Based on this request, we have now added a new Parish Programs line in the amount of $1500 for Community Life.
• What will the budget reflect for the two part-time music positions? We now have three part-time music positions. Their salaries are coming from the account .8310, Director of Music & Liturgy budget line.
• Is there a possibility of hiring a part-time Youth Minister? Yes.
• Does Luther Place pay for itself? Yes. The mortgage was retired in 2013.
• Are we providing a severance package for Pastor Angela’s moving expenses? Yes, we are.

Community Life

Pastor Jeff has challenged us very seriously in the Adult Forums and in his sermons with this question: What are we set apart as Christians to do. This is really a year round challenge. We, as Christians, are called to prepare for life itself. We belong to God and are to bring people to the Lord. After our Sabbatical Committee Project ended, this Community Life Committee was created to carry on this mission.

Our presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has stated two fundamental ideas about what we have as Christians: We have Jesus and we are Lutherans. She has identified four “emphasies,” “strategic intents,” or “things” for the ELCA to focus on: We are church, we are Lutheran, we are church together, and we are church for the sake of the world.

Our committee has completely encompassed her guidance. We want to help this congregation carry out the challenges. We are moved. We need to spread the energy. It is “what we feel sets apart to do as Christians.” Come to our four adult forum sessions starting in January to begin by strengthening our individual faith journey as we study the book “Slow Church Cultivating Community in the Patient Way of Jesus” by C. Christopher Smith and John Pattison. The fourth Sunday will be for us to figure out “what we are set apart to do?” It will challenge our congregation to “walk the talk.” There will also be at least one ‘ohana group meeting to work through the same issues.

What will be a new concept for us is that these works will be very intentional. This journey will be exciting and may surprise us as to what it will achieve. After all we have Jesus and we are Lutherans!

Office Hours

New Year reminder: LCH office hours are from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. The office is closed on weekends and state and federal holidays. Messages are not checked on weekends and holidays.

If you need to contact someone regarding church business over the weekend, please contact the appropriate ministry or committee leader. Voicemail is checked when the office opens Monday morning or on the first business day following a holiday. Thank you for your understanding.

Important LCH Parking Information

Please do not park in the Poki lot when visiting LCH during business hours Monday through Friday. All Poki lot spaces are registered and assigned to Punahou students, from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. Unregistered vehicles in student spaces are towed at the vehicle owner’s expense.

Please note that LCH contracts with Ace Towing to remove unauthorized vehicles from the LCH church lot nightly, following scheduled LCH events. Unregistered vehicles left in the church lot will be towed. If you need to park after hours, please contact the church office in advance during regular business hours (8:30 am to 4:00 pm, M–F).

Electronic Funds Transfers for November

Offering Fund	Amount	Offering Fund	Amount
Offering	$7,345	Mission Campaign	$355
Music Fund/Instruments	$150	Wounded Warriors	325

Attendance and Offerings for December

Date	Worship Service	Attendance	Offering Fund	Amount
December 7	8:00 am Service	49	Offering	$5,227
	10:30 amService	84	Altar Flowers	$304
	Evening Prayer	19	Wounded Warriors	$350
	Total	152	Mission Campaign	$50
December 14	8:00 am Service	54	Offering	$2,393
	10:30 am Service	96	Altar Flowers	$281
	Total	150	Social Ministries	$2,000
			Seasonal Offerings	$2,000
			Wounded Warriors	$20
			Memorials	$30
December 21	8:00 am Service	53	Offering	$3,854
	10:30 am Service	95	Altar Flowers	$71
	Evening Prayer	46	Social Ministries	$46
	Total	194	Wounded Warriors	$550
			Mission Campaign	$20
December 28	8:00 am Service	55	Offering	$7,001
	10:30 am Service	77	Seasonal Offerings	$8555
	Total	132	Altar Flowers	$20
	Total	139	Music Fund	$485
			Other Donations	$350

HeartBeat Deadline

Tuesday, January 20 17, 9:00 am

Akiyo	Fay	Jean
Dan	Gavin	Kent
Denise	Gene	Karen
Diane	Irmgard	Mickey
	Sylvia the Thomas family

January Birthdays

Date	Name
01/03	Jeanne Castello
01/05	Fred Benco
01/06	Angie Niermann
01/06	Matthew Sato
01/12	Allen Bauchle
01/12	Mary Kubota
01/12	Michael Okikawa
01/17	Palmyra Hethcote
01/20	Robert Raasch
01/22	Chuck Huxel
01/23	Jim Niermann

LCH Worship Participants

Holy Communion (8:00 am)
DATE	January 4 Epiphany Sunday	January 11 Baptism of Jesus	January 18 Epiphany 2	January 25 Epihany 3
LECTOR	Peggy Anderson	Jim Sullivan	Adriane Clissold	Cindy Scheinert
COMMUNION ASSISTANTS	Peggy Anderson Wayne Gau Amanda Lippert Stephanie Luuloa	Kyra Takamiya Laurie Leach Peggy Anderson Sophia S.	Sheena Lim-Urban Wayne Gau Kyra Takamiya Stephanie Luuloa	Sheena Lim-Urban Carolyn Koehler Amanda Lippert Laurie Leach
LAYING ON OF HANDS		Jim Sullivan
ACOLYTE	Charles C.	Sophie C.	Dylan D.	Raphael S.
USHERS	Fred Benco Billie Jean Ries Craig Clissold
Choral Eucharist (10:30 am)
DATE	January 4 Epiphany Sunday	January 11 Baptism of Jesus	January 18 Epiphany 2	January 25 Epihany 3
LECTOR	Angie Niermann	Peter Flachsbart	Randy Castello	Roy Helms
DEACON	Frank Haas	Mary Fastenau	Josie Bidgood	Bob Tellander
SUB-DEACON	Bob Tellander	Jim Cartwright	Chuck Pearson	Mary Fastenau
COMMUNION ASSISTANTS	Bob Zimmer Jim Cartwright	Josie Bidgood Chuck Pearson	Randy Christensen Frank Haas	Randy Christensen Phyllis Hormann
LAYING ON OF HANDS		Bob Zimmer
ACOLYTES	Azure S. Iara N.	Nathalie J. Coco J.	Savannah M. Reid W.	Lillie J. Max W.
ALTAR GUILD	Olivia Castro Mary-Jo Estes Billie Jean Ries Noelani Nitz	USHERS	Luke Buchs Chuck Huxel Nan Wond Peter Flachsbart
COUNCIL IN CHARGE	Sophie C.

Calendar: June 2014

Day	Date	Event and Time
Thursday	January 1	Office closed—New Year’s Day
Sunday	January 4	Angel Network In-Gathering 8:00 am, Contemporary Worship 9:15 am, Pastor Angela’s farewell reception 9:20 am, Sunday School 10:30 am, Traditional Choral Eucharist 5:00 pm, O‘ahu Youth Gathering 7:00 pm, Poetry Group 7:30 pm, Evening Prayer
Thursday	January 8	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:00 pm, Holoholo pick-up 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting
Saturday	January 10	9:30 am, Process Thought Forum
Sunday	January 11	8:00 am, Contemporary Worship 9:20 am, Christian Education for all ages 10:30 am, Traditional Choral Eucharist
Monday	January 12	6:30 pm, Worship and Music meeting
Wednesday	January 14	12:30 pm, Finance Committee meeting
Thursday	January 15	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting
Friday	January 16	1:00 pm, IHS Meals prepared 5:30 pm, IHS Meals served
Sunday	January 18	8:00 am, Contemporary Worship 10:30 am, Traditional Choral Eucharist 7:30 pm, Evening Prayer
Monday	January 19	Office closed—Martin Luther King Day 10:00 am, Book Club 7:00 pm, Writers’ Workshop
Tuesday	January 20	February HeartBeat deadline! 6:30 pm, Council meeting
Thursday	January 22	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:00 pm, Holoholo pick-up 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting
Saturday	January 24	10:00 am, One Pot One Hope 5:30 pm, 2nd Half Annual Meeting
Sunday	January 25	8:00 am, Contemporary Worship 9:20 am, Christian Education for all ages 10:30 am, Traditional Choral Eucharist
Thursday	January 29	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting
Saturday	January 31	5:30 pm, Food for Thought