In this issue:
- A Message from Pastor Jeff
- Stewardship Corner
- Committee/Interest Group Chairs
- In Stitches Returns
- Angel Network In-Gathering
- Blessing of the Animals
- Adult Forum
- Godly Play—Sunday School News
- Leadership Roundtable
- OYEA Gathering
- Evening Prayer
- Book of Faith Bible Study
- Process Thought
- Confirmation Classes
- Office closed on Columbus Day
- Holoholo Pick-Up
- LCH Night at Hawai‘i Public Radio
- Exploring Boundaries
- LCH Women’s Book Club
- Writers’ Workshop
- LUTHERFEST
- One Pot, One Hope
- A Memorial Concert for Carl Crosier
- From the Treasurer
- Help Wanted!
- Council Vacancies in 2016
- HeartBeat Deadline
- Electronic Funds Transfers and Stock Donations for August
- Attendance and Offerings for September
- Prayer Requests
- October Birthdays
- LCH Worship Participants (8:00 am)
- LCH Worship Participants (10:30 am)
- Calendar: October 2014
A Message from Pastor Jeff
Reform is never easy. At the end of this month we will celebrate the beginning of the Reformation when Martin Luther, an Augustinian monk, university professor, and pastor sought to bring reform to his beloved Roman Catholic Church. From his perspective, the church he loved had begun to drift from the central message of Jesus—to love God and love one another—to a church of complex hierarchy, over arching traditions, and a focus on building cathedrals that threatened to bankrupt society.
His sometimes inflammatory and hyperbolic sermons and letters led many in Germany to begin to ask hard questions about faith, the church, and even the structure of society. Sometimes, in the light of historical inquiry, we lose sight of what a terrible time this was. Plague racked community after community, poverty was the plight of most of the population, clean water was a luxury, and the peasants lived or died by the benevolence of princes and rulers. When Luther began to ask questions about religion and church, the populous began to question everything. What began as a debate about the authority of the church became, at times, a conflagration spreading throughout Europe.
The peasant farmers in Germany, buoyed by the writings of Luther, revolted against their princes only to be crushed back into submission and disappointed by Luther’s refusal to support their cause. Upon visiting the site of one of the massacres, Luther was moved to tears. In other places, ecclesial and university leaders thought Luther too timid in his reform and began smashing icons, throwing down statues, and burning organs in the iconoclast movement. For them, the excesses of the church were manifest in the elevation of art, music, and architecture that had reached an almost fevered pitch in the 1500s. Luther was aghast and again wept to find the reform he longed for turned into a radical movement bent on the destruction of the very beauty Luther himself cherished.
Reform is never easy. As Luther found, reform can lead to the de-construction of harmful traditions and closely held but unhelpful beliefs; but it can also lead to the destruction of what we love most. It is impossible to predict how people will behave, think, or react in the midst of reform. But we can always predict that in the midst of any reformation, some will move heaven and earth to get their way, preserving traditions they love most and striving to create new systems that assure a favorable outcome for themselves. Greed, narcissism, self-interest, and predatory behavior are constant companions to reform, but so is hope.
Reform is never easy. The church—even religion itself—is thrust in the midst of reform these days. Perhaps our modern reform is not so much the stuff of Luther’s great reform but something steady, almost relentless, in its march. Mainline, centrist folks like Lutherans, Episcopalians, and Methodists are dismissed by radicals on the left and right as “irrelevant and ineffectual.” Others point to the horrible acts of violence by religious extremists in the Middle East as evidence that religion leads to crazy and inhumane behavior in the name of God. Who can blame them when precious antiquities are destroyed as “blasphemy” and beautiful children, men, and women are executed for being the wrong religion?
But there is also hope. As we come to better understand what God is up to in the world, churches, mosques, synagogues and temples are increasingly willing and able to come together in prayer and service. Lutherans join hands with Muslims to bring aid in war torn regions. Pastors and rabbis pray together for peace in Palestine and Israel. In our best moments, we understand that God may be doing something new with all of us, and we look to God to bring radical reform to all of us, that we might learn what God has shared in every religion; namely love. It won’t be easy. What might God be up to in you, in our church, in religion, and in our community to bring reform that leads to love?
Committee/Interest Group Chairs
Committee/Group | Leader |
---|---|
Archive: | Jim Cartwright |
Audit: | Randy Castello |
Concert: | Scott Fikse |
Communications: | Carol Langner |
Council: | April Smith |
Exploring Boundaries: | Carol Langner |
Fellowship: | Jeanne Castello & Mary-Jo Estes |
Finance: | Steve Miller |
Food for Thought: | Kathryn Klingebiel |
In Stitches: | Linda Miller |
Lay Ministers: | Carolyn Koehler |
Learning Ministry: | Fred Benco |
Mary Magdalene Society: | Robert Zimmer & Francisco Barajas |
Process Theology: | Fritz Fritschel |
Property: | Jean-Paul Klingebiel & April Smith |
Scholarship: | Fred Benco |
Social Ministry: | Jean Lilley |
Stewardship: | Pam Buckley |
Sunday School: | Laurie Leach |
Worship & Music: | Linda Miller |
Writers’ Workshop: | Kathryn Klingebiel |
Youth: | Pr. Jeff Lilley |
Stewardship of Our Passions
Over the last year our LCH ‘ohana has been on a journey of year-round stewardship. We’ve looked at the ways we can take all that God has entrusted to us and use it to the glory of God and to further God’s mission. We’ve examined how we can be good stewards of our time and our stuff, or our talents and our careers, of our keiki and of all of creation, and our leisure time and our community. And along the way, we’ve been struck by the passions our members have revealed when they talked about these important aspects of their lives.
Those of us on the Stewardship Committee are delighted that this year-round program has helped our congregation understand that stewardship is about so much more than just our pledges or the donations we make from week to week. And we have been energized seeing the passions revealed in the monthly StewardshipCorner articles in The HeartBeat this last year. In response to these manifestations of passion—and in hope of stirring up all of our passions—our theme for this year is “Stewardship of Our Passions.”
Passion is the energy that enables us to dedicate ourselves—time and talents, hearts and souls—to goals and to sustain that dedication over the long term. Without passion, our good intentions fade, and we cannot accomplish the mission that God entrusts to us as part of Christ’s church.
The goal of the Stewardship Committee for this year is to help everyone at LCH get in touch with their passions and to put them to work for the mission God has entrusted to us as individuals and to LCH as a congregation.
We began this process at the church picnic on August 29, with a workshop called “Finding Our Passions,” where members spent time writing about their dreams and passions and then talked with others about them. People’s contributions were inspiring, and we wanted to share a few with you. One person wants to “grow spiritually and in community,” and another dreams of LCH with “lots of children.” A member wants to “organize my fellow parishioners to minster and fellowship with … in the community.” Another is excited about a church that has “compassion for the underdog, the left-behind, the sidelined.”
Beginning in November, and for each month during the coming year, we will be featuring one of the ministries of our congregation and encouraging folks in our LCH family, who identify with that ministry, to apply their passions to it. Representatives of the different ministries will share their passions for that ministry with you, through the monthly StewardshipCorner, posts on the LCH Facebook page, and in a “Ministry Minute” (using a timer to make sure it’s just 60 seconds). And they will invite you to bring your passions to the work they do.
During October, we will look at the ministry of our Stewardship Committee and our passion for supporting the ministries of LCH through our pledges. We’ll be sharing our “Ministry Minute” with you and distributing pledge packets on Reformation Sunday, October 25.
In Stitches Returns
Saturday, October 3, 9:00–11:00 am
In Stitches, the LCH craft group, will start meeting again on the first Saturday of each month from 9 to 11 in the Rainbow room. All are welcome! Bring your own craft to work on or help make the ribbon lei we give to our visitors. Mostly come for fun and fellowship
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.
Feast of St. Francis—Blessing of the Animals
Sunday, October 4
Recognizing God’s love for all creatures and in celebration of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, please join us this Sunday for the Blessing of the Animals during worship at both the 8:00 am and 10:30 amservices. We will have pet treats available for the social hour and water stations to keep our friends comfortable. There will be a pet-free zone for those who may be uncomfortable sitting next to a water buffalo or a duckbill platypus.
Feel free to bring your pets of various species to church with you. Please be mindful of temperament and companionability. Some pets simply do not get along with others and should remain comfortably at home. We will bless them from afar.
Without exception, all pets must be leashed or caged at all times while on campus. Free flights of large birds and unfettered wandering of Bengal tigers will, no doubt, lead to unpleasantness. So please, observe religiously the commandment to cage and leash at all times.
Adult Forum—“Using the Encyclical: An Exercise in Liturgy”
Pastor Fritz Fritschel • October 4 through 25 at 9:20 am in the Boardroom
During the summer there was a review by Bill McKibben in the New York Review of Books on “The Pope and the Planet” summarizing the recent Papal Encyclical on the environment. Working from these ideas, Fritz will lead the group in writing a liturgy, that is, a new text, based on the ideas and insights of the encyclical. There is much more than just an emphasis on climate change, although that is one element.
The task for the group would be to take each section of the liturgy (generally considered to include five main parts: Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei) and provide words for our contemporary use. In the thoughts of Pope Francis, it might be Caring for our Common Home, or something like that.
For context, Fritz offered these thought, “Now understand, this is not a commissioned work. We have not been requested to fiddle with what we have been using. But if you were at the 10:30 service on September 27, you had an example of what could be done” (the “Bluegrass Mass” that supplemented the mass text with familiar hymns and original lyrics). “There are many precedents for this kind of thing. My concern is that as a world—a global community—we are facing catastrophic challenges. The wider religious community is trying to face these issues. Individual congregations, such as LCH, should do the same.”
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 October
- October 4—Francis of Assisi
- October 11—The Exodus
- October 18—The Ten Best Ways
- October 25—Martin Luther
Leadership Roundtable
Sunday, October 4, 11:45 am–12:30 pm
Please plan to join congregation president April Smith for a short (45 minute) gathering of all committee chairs and team leaders. This is an opportunity for us to sit down together and share information on what is happening with all the ministries at LCH. If you are a committee or team leader, please be prepared to share a little information on your activities with the group. Mahalo and see you there!
OYEA (O‘ahu Youth Education Activities) Gathering
Sunday, October 4, 5:00–7:00 pm at Calvary by the Sea Church • (Leadership Meeting begins at 4:30 pm)
Note: This is a change from the originally planned venue.
David Schofield, Marine Mammal Response Coordinator for NOAA, will speak to the group about “Marine Ecology and Faith.” Calvary will provide a light meal and is happy to accept help from volunteers willing to provide assistance with food. All those in middle and high school and their friends and family are welcome. Please call or email Pastor Jeff to let him know if you will attend and who will be joining you.
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.
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.
Process Thought Forum
Saturday, October 10, 9:30–11:00 am in the LCH Boardroom
Process Thinkers will meet on the second Saturday of October, the 10th, at 9:30 am in the LCH Boardroom. Discussion will be based on an article by John Cobb, “Deliver Us from Evil….Even Our Own,” which can be found at the website on Jesus, Jazz and Buddhism. We certainly welcome new people to our group, which inevitably turns out to be stimulating because of the people who attend
Confirmation Classes
Sundays, October 11 and 18, 12:00–1:30 pm in the LCH Rainbow Room
We have begun another great season of Confirmation Instruction at LCH incorporating learning, fun, and service with our youth. All are asked to help in supporting this important part of our youth’s spiritual development.
This year we started a new curriculum, published by the ELCA. CoLABorate combines Bible study, experiential learning, and group dynamics to help our youth teach each other about faith. Our monthly OYEA (O‘ahu Youth Education and Activities) meetings will provide experiences and service projects throughout the year. OYEA Sundays bring together youth from several congregations each month in fellowship and service.
Contact Pastor Jeff if you have any questions or wish to know more about the confirmation program.
Office closed in observance of Columbus Day, Monday, October 12
Holoholo Pick-Up
Tuesdays, October 13 and 27, 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.
LCH Night at Hawai‘i Public Radio
Saturday, October 17, 5:45–8:00 pm
It’s time for the Fall Pledge Drive for Hawai‘i Public Radio. We claimed “Prairie Home Companion” (that most-Lutheran of Public Radio programs) as our night to help with the pledge drive several years ago, and the tradition continues. Again this year, the station has reserved Saturday night, October 17, for LCH to staff the phones and take pledges. In addition to enjoying a fabulous dinner of tuna hot dish by Chuck Pearson, we get to meet like-minded folks on the phone. This is a great way to expand LCH name recognition to those who may not know about us. We are acknowledged throughout the night by the on-air hosts, and we issue a challenge to other listeners.
If you already plan to make a pledge this fall or just want to be part of the LCH Challenge, please let Josie Bidgood know by calling 808-262-0657. We’ll add your donation to the amount that others traditionally pledge, including that stalwart who always throws 35 cents into the pot. Please let Josie know if you are available to help with the phones.
Exploring Boundaries
Michael Molloy speaks on Religious Pluralism—“Christians and People of Other Faiths”
Sunday, October 18, 6:00 pm • Isenberg Hall
Christians today often meet people of other religious backgrounds. What can we learn from them? What can they learn from us? Our featured speaker this evening is Mike Molloy, a student, teacher, and practitioner of the great religions of the world. Retired from a long teaching career at Kapi‘olani Community College and author of Experiencing the World’s Religions: Tradition, Challenge, and Change, a commonly used textbook now in the 6th edition, Mike has traveled the world to personally experience the diverse spiritual beliefs of humankind embodied in religious practice. He will lead us in discussion as we explore ways to honor other faith traditions even as we find greater understanding of our own.
LCH Women’s Book Club
Monday, October 19, 10:00–11:30 am
We’ve had a change of book and venue for this month’s book club meeting. All women are invited to join us at the home of Linda Miller for a discussion of Gloriana’s Torch, by Patricia Finney. This is an historical novel with a fantasy twist, set in Elizabethan England. What might have happened had the Spanish Armada (1588) not be defeated? Looking ahead, Monday, November 16, we’ll revert to our original plan for October, gathering at the home of Juditha Murashige for a discussion of The Widow of the South, by Robert Hicks.
Writers’ Workshop
Monday, October 19 • 7:00–8:30 pm
Writers’ Workshop will meet next on Monday, October 19, 7:00-8:30 pm at LCH in the Boardroom. All are welcome! For information, please contact Kathryn Klingebiel through the Church Office (808-941-2566).
LUTHERFEST
October 24, 2015
Come celebrate our Lutheran heritage at our annual LutherFest, where we eat, drink, laugh, and have fun in the Hörmann Courtyard. Festivities will begin at 5:30 pm with light pupus and drinks (non-alcoholic drinks will be provided; beer and wine available for donations). This year, we’re giving the grill a break and will have a potluck dinner that will start at 6:00 pm. Please bring a German dish, if possible. To help ensure a balanced table, we suggest the following guidelines:
A thru L—main dish
M thru Z—side dish
You can look online for suggested German dishes like sausages and sauerkraut, sauerbraten, roast chicken, potato salad, potato dumplings, spatzle, and many other options. Of course, any dish you bring to share will be welcomed with open arms and enjoyed by all. Dessert will be provided by those who enter this year’s contest: any delectable delight made with apples. Judging will be made on presentation, German theme, use of apples, and of course, taste.
More details will be forthcoming in future Sunday Announcements.
Danke sehr and hope to see you there!
One Pot, One Hope
Saturday, October 31, 10:00 am
A consistent group of LCH volunteers helps feed 100 to 125 people each month in Wai‘anae. Help support this mission outreach project by participating or by bringing donations of designated items—Costco gallon-sized cans of chili, fresh fruit, granola bars, bottled water, recycled grocery bags, and large cardboard boxes—or checks, payable to “One Pot, One Hope.” Bring donated items to church on the third Sunday of the month. See Peggy Anderson for more information, including volunteering and carpool.A Memorial Concert for Carl Crosier
Sunday, November 1 • 7:00 pm
The Lutheran Church of Honolulu Choir will join with the Hawai‘i Vocal Arts Ensemble to remember long-time church musician, Carl Crosier. This memorial concert will feature Maurice Duruflé’s beloved Requiem and the world premiere of Frank Ferko’s Missa O Magne Pater, based on medieval Hildegard chants. Timothy Carney and Scott Fikse will conduct the combined choirs with members of the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra, internationally renowned organist Jonathan Dimmock, and soloists Laurie Rubin, mezzo-soprano, and Leslie “Buz” Tennent, baritone. Mr. Ferko will be in attendance for the premiere of his Mass.
Duruflé’s Requiem, while composed on the Gregorian chants of the Mass for the Dead, allows the listener to focus on life rather than on death, while receiving comfort in the face of the unknown. Ferko’s Missa O Magne Pater was commissioned on the suggestion of Crosier, and is patterned after Vaughan Williams’ Mass in G minor for unaccompanied double chorus. These Masses, with their mystical feeling, have brought the beauty of the Latin Mass into modern times.
From the Treasurer
Stock Donation Is a Win-Win!
When you donate appreciated stock to the church, you get a charitable tax deduction equal to the full value on the day you gave it. You don’t need to pay any taxes or donate actual cash. The church can then sell the stock and get full value, too! Please check with your tax advisor. LCH can accept tradable stock or bonds in any amount.
Steve Miller, Treasurer
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.
Council Vacancies in 2016
We need to fill three vacancies on the Church Council for 2016. Election of these members will take place during the first half of our annual meeting on November 22, 2015. Council members serve a three-year term.
The work of the council is important, interesting, informative, involves good fellowship and fun!
The work of the council is not scary, intimidating, overly time consuming, or difficult to understand.
You can expect to:
- attend one, 2-hour meeting per month. Council members take turns hosting, providing a meal and short devotion, and serving for a month as “Council in Charge”—ensuring that the church is locked up and items put away after the last worship service on Sunday morning.
- communicate during the month via text or email if necessary. If you do not text or have email, we will make arrangements for you, so don’t let that stop you from saying yes to serving on council.
- serve as a liaison to church committees or teams and communicate back to the council on planned activities or needs.
Planned and unplanned absences are expected and taken into consideration, so don’t think you can’t serve if you’ll be away for a month or two.
Please consider putting your name on the ballot to serve on the 2016 LCH Church Council. Still have questions? Just ask a current council member (April Smith, Craig Clissold, Steve Miller, Naomi Castro, Georgine Stark, Dori Palcovich, Lori Nishimura, Hope Jahren, Randy Castello, Fred Benco, or Pastor Jeff).
Mahalo for prayerfully considering to serve!
HeartBeat Deadline
Tuesday, September 15, 9:00 am
Cheri, Dan, Denise, Diane, Fran, Gene, Gianna, Irene, Irmgard, Jennie, Karen, Kelly, Kent, Michael, Peggy A., Quentin, and Sandi
Day | Date | Event and Time |
---|---|---|
Thursday | October 1 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly staff meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal |
Saturday | October 3 | 9:00 am, In Stitches 1:00 pm, LCH Choir/HVAE Rehearsal |
Sunday | October 4 | 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education for all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 11:45 am, Leadership Roundtable 5:00 pm, OYEA Gathering 7:30 pm, Evening Prayer |
Monday | October 5 | 7:00 pm, 8:00 Ensemble Rehearsal |
Thursday | October 8 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal |
Saturday | October 10 | 9:30 am, Process Thought Forum |
Sunday | October 11 | 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education for all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 12:00 pm, Confirmation Class |
Monday | October 12 | Office Closed—Discoverers Day 6:00 pm, Worship & Music Meeting 7:00 pm, 8:00 Ensemble Rehearsal |
Tuesday | October 13 | 2:00 pm, Holoholo pick-up |
Wednesday | October 14 | 12:30 pm, Finance Committee Meeting |
Thursday | October 15 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal |
Friday | October 16 | 1:00 pm, IHS Meals prepared 5:30 pm, IHS Meals served |
Saturday | October 17 | 5:45 pm, LCH Night at KHPR |
Sunday | October 18 | 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education for all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 12:00 pm, Confirmation Class 6:00 pm, Exploring Boundaries 7:30 pm, Evening Prayer |
Monday | October 19 | 10:00 am, Women’s Book Club 7:00 pm, Writers’ Workshop 7:00 pm, 8:00 Ensemble Rehearsal |
Tuesday | October 20 | 6:30 pm, LCH Council Meeting |
Thursday | October 22 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal |
Saturday | October 24 | 5:30 pm, LutherFest! |
Sunday | October 25 | 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education for all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 4:00 pm, LCH Choir/HVAE Rehearsal |
Monday | October 26 | 7:00 pm, 8:00 Ensemble Rehearsal |
Tuesday | October 27 | 2:00 pm, Holoholo pick-up |
Thursday | October 29 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal |
Saturday | October 31 | 10:00 am, One Pot One Hope |