HeartBeat—September 2015

A Message from Pastor Jeff

Ministry Together

Well-known prophet Bob Dylan once wrote:

Written in a time of social upheaval and societal change, the song goes on to encourage parents, politicians, and all people to work together to find solutions to growing problems. In the 60s, when this song was composed, racism, the beginning of the Cold War, a sexual revolution, and worldwide political unrest were all part of the world landscape. The song contends that old orders are falling and old ways of living are fading away. In some ways, for our world and for the Christian Church, the song could have been written yesterday.

The times truly are a-changin’ for us all. Recent and repeated racial incidents lay bare the reality that, not only have we not come to love one another as Christ commands, but in some cases there is a very thin veneer of civility covering a deeply-rooted racism. National polls show that while women are making strides in business and the arts, they continue to be paid significantly less than their male counterparts. (Incidentally, this appears to be true among Lutheran clergy as well!)

So what can we do? Jesus, Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Mother Teresa all alighted on a similar truth when faced with such challenges. They understood that while individual efforts toward change and social justice are important, we do our best work when we do it together. Jesus gathered his twelve and 70, and then thousands. Gandhi called all the world together to pray and fast. Mother Teresa took us one at a time and taught how to love the unlovable. Martin Luther King, Jr. gathered people old and young to march, to ride, and to pray. In many ways, by bringing people together, the world was changed in significant ways.

One of the logical places to bring people together is through the church. So, I find it curious how reluctant congregations are to make the effort to forge lasting and significant partnerships in ministry. One passionate observer noted that churches continue in a “silo” mentality, doing their own thing, in their own time, with rapidly dwindling resources. It may be that unless we respond to these changing times, we may “silo” our ministries to death! Locally, groups like FACE (Faith Action for Community Equity) seek to draw the ecumenical and interfaith communities together to address local issues of poverty and injustice. They are an example of what can happen when we do ministry together.

The Hukilau conference of ELCA churches also work together on projects throughout the year like One Pot One Hope, Angel Network, and global mission. However, we have not put together a comprehensive plan for how we might develop a common mission and cooperative ministries to help us cope with the rapidly-changing landscape of ministry in Hawai‘i. In some ways, we see that “the times they are a-changin’,” but like so many church bodies in the US, our congregations continue to cling to an image of church and ministry that may not best serve God’s purpose now.

The only way “out,” as they say, is “in.” As LCH continues to explore how to be more engaged in our community and neighborhood, we may also need to work with lay leaders and clergy of sister congregations to end the “silo” mentality and minister together. Sharing of resources, personnel, even property may be our future! Pulling together to help meet immediate and long-term needs might help us not only to “survive,” but even to thrive.

Ministry together was the taproot of the early followers of Jesus. Maybe they were up to something that might help us grow. These times, they are a-changin’, but God’s hope lives strong in God’s people.

Council Highlights

• Finances are relatively healthy year to date. Punahou student parking payments along with some annual contributions from members and friends increased the income for end of month July.
• German language classes are now being offered at LCH on Wednesday afternoons, under the instruction of Ghissou Rosala.
• Carey Beebe tuned and performed maintenance on the harpsichord.
• Reverend Richard Shields and Pastor Phyllis Hormann will lead us in worship while Pastor Jeff is on vacation (September 13 and 20).
• The Financial Review (Audit) team will begin their 2014 review.
• Another estimate for repair of the driveway aprons was received. Still waiting on the question of permitting requirements and will solicit another bid before a decision is made to proceed.
• Keiki O Ka ‘Āina Preschool, Inc., requested lease of Isenberg Hall, kitchen, nursery, restrooms, parking lot, and playground for their parent-participation pre-school program. Council consensus is that request for parking cannot be met, usage request may be too large, fees seem low for number of hours per week. Council rejected the proposal as submitted.
• Council will have four seat vacancies and one youth seat vacancy for 2016. We need volunteers to serve on council to be elected at the first half of the annual meeting in November. It is not too early to start considering candidates.
• Special mahalo extended to Mary-Jo Estes and Linda Miller for all the ways they volunteer at LCH!

Stewardship of Our Community—Wounded Warrior Ministry

The Wounded Warrior ministry of LCH was begun several years ago in response to an identified need, particularly for the marines, sailors, and their families stationed at Marine Corps Base Hawai‘i. Pastor Steve, also known as Chaplain Jensen or “Chaps,” was asked by the leadership of the Wounded Warrior Battalion West—Detachment Hawai‘i to provide pastoral care and support in a volunteer capacity, for the then 55-plus wounded, ill, and injured, without any funding or staff.

He turned to LCH and the Hukilau conference for support in:

• “Third Thursday BBQ” at the barracks, so spouses could attend medical appointments with their active duty member and not have to worry about meals.
• Massage therapy, headed by Ray Herradura, using volunteer LMTs to provide much-needed treatment at the barracks two to three days a week.
• Art therapy by Juditha Murashige, for recovering service members and their spouses, to assist in alleviating post traumatic stress symptoms and discover and enhance individual artistic talent.
• Free admission to concerts and special events hosted by LCH.
• Sailing in small groups with Pastor Jeff and Jean Lilley.
• Tutoring in various academic subjects and musical instrument training, including organ lessons at LCH.
• Unpaid internships with members at their various places of employ, including ‘Iolani School, Pacific Aviation Museum, and auto repair shops, to gain experience in areas recovering service members believe could become possible occupations upon their discharge from the military.
• Joint community outreach programs like feeding the homeless, visiting the VA’s Center for Aging, and cleaning a park.
• Donations of food, baby supplies, and Christmas gifts for holiday meals at Pastor Steve’s or at the barracks.
• Counsel and advice for those with legal, academic, transitional, or vocational concerns.
• Care package collection and sending to those deployed for long periods in combat or humanitarian assistance areas.
• “Date Night” meals at local restaurants to celebrate special occasions.
• Barracks bachelors monthly night out excursions.

The personnel involved and their families often ask, “What’s up with the Lutherans doing so many things for us? Why do they care so much for people they don’t even know?” The answer given is that we are called to be a servant people who respond to The Great Commandment—to love one another.

Even thought the wards in Iraq and Afghanistan have ended, service members continue to be deployed to hazardous places around the world. But there are also training accidents here at home, and personnel have been exposed to toxic chemicals in combat areas that are now resulting in cancers and rare blood diseases. While the numbers of Wounded Warriors at the unit continue to decline, those assigned there have serious, multi-faceted issues that require a holistic approach for mind, body, spirit, and relationship healing.

Having a line item in the Social Ministry budget funded by Wounded Warriors donations allows LCH and Pastor Steve to immediately reply to emergent needs as well as other planned ministry events. The recent crash of an Osprey aircraft at Bellows Air Force Station caused loss of life of two Marines and injury to some eighteen others. All lost their normal gear and many had the uniforms on their backs cut off for treatment or they were covered in toxic fuel and oil. Existing funds and a special appeal allowed for immediate support in the form of toiletries, water and basic foods, shower shoes, and minimal clothing until the military and normal support organizations could respond. Simple cell phones with cards were provided and shared so each could call home and reassure families in their own voice. The families of those lost or severely injured were supported with meal cards, fuel gift-cards, and more.

There will be a need for this special ministry for years to come, and it will continue to evolve. Your financial support and willingness to assist with preparing and serving meals or using your skills or connections will continue to make a significant impact on the lives of our Wounded Warriors and their families.

Please contact Pastor Steve Jensen if you have any questions or would like to volunteer your services. He may be reached at kaneohesj@aol.com or by phone at 808-780-2201.

Office closed in observance of Labor Day Monday, September 7

Give Aloha Returns September 1!

LCH Org Code: 78224

We are registered again this year to participate in the Give Aloha program sponsored by Foodland/Western Union. During the month of September, donations to Give Aloha will be accepted, up to $249, at any Foodland or Sack ’n’ Save. Don’t forget your Maika‘i card, and use the LCH Organization Code (78224) at the time of your donation. Foodland and Western Union will match every gift received up to $300,000 for all combined participating organizations.

Holoholo Pick-Up

Tuesdays, September 1, 15 and 29, 2:00–4:00 pm

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 $25 on up and LCH is a drop-off point. Visit www.holoholostore.com.

Book of Faith Bible Study

Thursdays, 10:00–11:30 am • Series continues into September

Book of Faith Bible study is viewing the NBC Series, A.D. This dramatic series follows the development of the early Christian Church, beginning with the crucifixion of Jesus. Writers draw from biblical, extra-biblical, and historic documents to form a comprehensive picture of first century Christianity. Join us each week for viewing and lively discussion in the LCH boardroom.

Angel Network In-Gathering

Sunday, September 6

On the first Sunday of each month, food and personal items are collected at LCH for Angel Network, a ministry based out of Calvary-by-the-Sea Lutheran Church. The items are taken to Angel Network during the following week. Over 2,500 individuals are served monthly through this program. We are grateful for your generosity and support.

Godly Play—Sunday School News

Sundays, 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 September:

• September 6—The Circle of the Church Year
• September 13—Creation/The Falling Apart
• September 20—The Flood and the Ark
• September 27—The Great Family

Evening Prayer

First & Third Sundays each month, 7:30 pm

Join us on the first and third Sundays for Evening Prayer. This is a peaceful experience of rejuvenation and prayer.

Process Thought

Saturday, September 12, 9:30 am in the LCH Boardroom

Join the discussion which uses a Jesus, Jazz and Buddhism article by Patricia Farmer, bringing together three thinkers: Epictetus, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Alfred North Whitehead. You will be able to locate the article using those key words in the search box of the JJB website. We are looking forward to picking up our schedule for the fall.

Adult Forum—Being Comfortable with Change

September 13, 20, and 27, 9:20 am in the LCH Boardroom

Real change in ourselves requires commitment, encouragement, and reinforcement. In return we have broader and better perceptions, habits, and rewards. Join Steve Miller and many nice people for our Sunday discussions between services.

• September 13: Hearing God’s calls—a whisper or a whack? Changing our perceptions
• September 20: Changing our habits
• September 27: Changing our rewards

Exploring Boundaries

Sunday, September 20, 6:00–7:15 pm, in Isenberg Hall

Our first meeting of the fall features a presentation by LCH member Ayesha Nibbe, PhD in anthropology and a professor at Hawai‘i Pacific University. Dr. Nibbe has lived, worked, and researched in far-reaching areas such as Pakistan, the Amazon, India, Cuba, and Uganda and informs us that “boundaries” are what anthropology is all about—boundaries of class, race, gender, ethnicity, etc. Join us.

Women’s Book Club

Monday, September 21, 10:00–11:30 am

We will meet at Linda Miller’s home for a discussion of the book The Invention of Wings, by Sue Monk Kidd. Our next meeting will be on October 19, at the Murashige’s home, to discuss Widow of the South, by Robert Hicks

Writers’ Workshop

Monday, September 21, 7:00–8:30 pm

Writers’ Workshop will meet in the LCH boardroom. Our next fall meetings are scheduled for October 19 and November 16. All are welcome! For information, please call the LCH office at 808-941-2566.

2015 Hukilau Fall Assembly

Saturday, September 26, 10:00 am–3:00 pm at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Waikiki

Everyone is invited to the 2015 Hukilau Fall Assembly and Bishop’s Gathering. The gathering this year will be Bishop Murray’s final “run through the Synod” with these particular events. They will be filled with thanksgiving, story-telling of how we together support the mission and ministry of the Pacifica Synod and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and much helpful and useful information. We will share and distribute small packets intended for distribution to the congregations and for further storytelling.

The event this fall will be filled with “L” words: living, learning, leaning, loving, leading, lasting, leaving, listening, legacy, Luther, lift, and light. Congregation leaders, committee chairs, and ministry chairs are especially encouraged to attend. A catered meal will be served. The cost is $10 per person. More details will follow later, regarding payment and parking.

It will be good to be together again for this annual event and meaningful tradition within the Pacifica Synod.

Hörmann Courtyard Fundraising Goal Achieved!

Thanks to the amazing folks, and friends, of LCH, we have raised more than $10,000 to complete the financing for the Hörmann Courtyard. Our goal was to raise the money before Labor Day. We reached the magic number last Sunday, August 23!

Thank you to all of the people who contributed ideas, creativity, and time to making this happen. There were great ideas for fundraising jars (Audrey Keller), wonderful bulletin boards (Carol Langner), asking for coffee donations (Sophia Stark), making sure the coffee donations happened (Mary-Jo Estes and Lori Nishimura), and financial reporting (Steve Miller and Bill Potter).

A giant thank you to Jean Lilley who volunteered to take people sailing if they donated $500 or more. Yes we will be coordinating those excursions. I want to personally thank everyone for their awesome ideas and contributions. You were all absolutely amazing.

Now, on to our next fabulous LCH project!

Mary Fastenau

Punahou Academy Fall Semester Parking

The Punahou Academy fall semester began Thursday, August 27, and so did student parking in the LCH Poki Street and church lots. All Poki Street lot spaces are full and reserved for Punahou student parking, Monday through Friday, from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm on school days only, through January 14, 2016. There are eight spaces reserved for Punahou students in the church lot for the fall semester. All eight spaces are along the Poki Street side of the church lot and are reserved, Monday through Friday, from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, on school days only, through January 14, 2016.

Please do not park in the Poki Street lot during regular business hours Monday through Friday. Even if spaces are empty, they are paid for and reserved for Punahou students. It is recommended that you observe posted “Reserved Parking” signs and park in the church lot, against the LCH office building, during office hours when visiting LCH during regular business days. The church lot parking diagram is included here for guidance.

Please be aware that cars parked in the church lot after 10:00 pm, without a permit, will be towed at the owner’s expense.

Ushers Needed

Please consider contributing to LCH ministries by becoming an usher. Ushers assist in greeting parishioners and visitors and, when necessary, helping them find seats. They also distribute weekly bulletins and announcements and take a count of those attending the service. This helpful ministry is practiced during your regular weekly worship, with a little prep time before and some cleanup after. Please contact the church office (8080-941-2566 or lch@lchwelcome.org) for more information.

Help Wanted!

The LCH Property Committee (currently Jean-Paul Klingebiel and April Smith) desperately needs your help! We are looking for a few folks who are willing to spend a little time helping to arrange needed service calls for the church and Luther Place apartments. You don’t need to be “handy,” just willing to make some phone calls and coordinate with Anne in the church office to schedule service, when needed. It would also be helpful if you could occasionally be on site—depending on the service required—when repair people are on the property.

We’ll guide you in getting started in this ministry of stewardship for our property. Please see Jean-Paul or April for more information.

Photos from the Church Retreat and Picnic on August 29

Members enjoying water games and the potluck barbeque spread at the LCH Community Life picnic, Saturday, August 29.

Electronic Funds Transfers for July

Offering Fund	Amount	Offering Fund	Amount
Offering	$$7,194	Mission Campaign	$50
Music Fund/Instruments	$160	Wounded Warriors	$25

Attendance and Offerings for August

Date	Worship Service	Attendance	Offering Fund	Amount
August 2	9:15 am Service	98	Offering	$2,289
			Hörmann Courtyard	$577
August 9	9:15 am Service	118	Offering	$2,172
			Wounded Warriors	$100
			Hörmann Courtyard	$789
			Music/Instruments	$100
August 16	9:15 am Service	95	Offering	$1,958
			Hörmann Courtyard	$631
August 23	9:15 am Service	100	Offering	$2,304
			Hörmann Courtyard	$1,200
August 30	9:15 am Service	107	Offering	$3,084
			Sunday School	$4
			Social Ministries	$60
			Hörmann Courtyard	$572

HeartBeat Deadline

Tuesday, September 15, 9:00 am

Cheri, Dan, Denise, Diane, Fran, Gene, Gianna, Irene, Irmgard, Janice, Jennie, Karen, Kelly, Kent, Peggy A., Quentin, and Sandi

September Birthdays

09/03	Mary Reese
09/03	Jimmy Castro
09/05	Michael Gorman
09/09	Joseph Zuiker
09/11	Naomi Castro
09/11	Iniki Shelton K.
09/11	Emily O.
09/11	Kyra Ann Takamiya
09/17	Carolyn Ishikawa
09/21	Jerome Vasconcellos
09/22	Justin Juvinall
09/29	Colette J.

LCH Worship Participants

Holy Communion (8:00 am)
DATE	September 6	September 13	September 20	September 27
LECTOR	April Smith	Jimmy Castro	Cindy Scheinert	Jim Sullivan
ASSISTING MINISTER	Tim Freson	Bobby Broyles	Stephanie Luuloa	Don Johnson
COMMUNION ASSISTANTS	Sophia Stark Wayne Gau Laurie Leach	Kyra Takamiya Sheena Lim-Urban Chuck Huxel	Laurie Leach Sheena Lim-Urban Wayne Gau	Kyra Takamiya Tim Freson Jim Sullivan
LAYING ON OF HANDS		Stephanie Luuloa
ACOLYTE	Raphael S.	Dylan D.	Charles C.	Hunter N.
USHERS	TBA
Choral Eucharist (10:30 am)
DATE	September 6	September 13	September 20	September 27
LECTOR	Randy Castello	Aaron Gould	Roy Helms	Juditha Murashige
DEACON	Marcus Fikse	Josie Bidgood	Mary Fastenau	Jeanne Castello
SUB-DEACON	Mary Fastenau	Chuck Pearson	Marcus Fikse	Teresa McCreary
COMMUNION	Bob Zimmer Bob Tellander	Bob Tellander Randy Christensen	Josie Bidgood Shy Healey	Shy Healey Randy Christensen
ACOLYTES	Rebecca L. ara N.	Max W. Reid W.	Coco J. Lillie J	Savannah M. Azure S.
LAYING ON OF HANDS		John Bickel
USHERS	Bill Fay Peter Flachsbart Jean-Paul Klingebiel LaVerne Rickard		ALTAR GUILD	Olivia Castro Mary-J0 Estes Billie Jean Ries Noelani Nitz
COUNCIL IN CHARGE	Naomi Castro

Tuesday

Calendar: September 2015

Day	Date	Event and Time
Tuesday	September 1	2:00 pm, Holoholo pick-up
Thursday	September 3	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly staff meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Sunday	September 6	Angel Network In-Gathering 8:00 am, Contemporary Worship 9:20 am, Sunday School 10:30 am, Traditional Eucharist 11:45 am, Leadership Roundtable 7:00 pm, Poetry Group 7:30 pm, Evening Prayer
Monday	September 7	Labor Day—Office Closed
Wednesday	September 9	12:30 pm, Finance Committee Meeting
Thursday	September 10	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly staff meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Saturday	September 12	9:30 am, Process Thought Forum
Sunday	September 13	8:00 am, Contemporary Worship 9:20 am, Christian Education for all ages 10:30 am, Traditional Eucharist
Monday	September 14	6:30 pm, Worship & Music Meeting
Tuesday	September 15	2:00 pm, Holoholo pick-up
Thursday	September 17	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Friday	September 18	1:00 pm, IHS Meals prepared 5:30 pm, IHS Meals served
Saturday	September 19	7:30 pm, Early Music Hawai‘i Concert at LCH
Sunday	September 20	8:00 am, Contemporary Worship 9:20 am, Christian Education for all ages 10:30 am, Traditional Eucharist 6:00 pm, Exploring Boundaries 7:30 pm, Evening Prayer
Monday	September 21	10:00 am, Women’s Book Club 7:00 pm, Writers’ Workshop
Thursday	September 24	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Saturday	September 26	10:00 am, Hukilau Conference Fall Assembly 10:00 am, One Pot One Hope
Sunday	September 27	8:00 am, Contemporary Worship 9:20 am, Christian Education for all ages 10:30 am, Traditional Eucharist 11:45 am, Confirmation Class
Tuesday	September 29	2:00 pm, Holoholo pick-up 6:30 pm, LCH Council Meeting