HeartBeat—December 2015

A Message from Pastor Jeff

An Advent Gift

Pastor Jeff

A Passion for Crafting Things

LCH gives us so much. It is a place for spiritual growth, fellowship, and wonderful music. But one of the gifts it has given me is a place to use my skills with fabric, thread, yarn, ribbon, and design.

Over the years, along with many others in the congregation, I have been involved in needlepointing the seat cushions, embroidering baptismal wipes, weaving parament hangings, repairing paraments, making ribbon lei for visitors, creating story baskets for Godly Play, and probably other things I’m forgetting.

Did you know that almost all the paraments in LCH are handmade? Most of them have been made by members of the congregation. That has an effect on us all as we worship. It says something about us as a community, and, to me, it makes our space more sacred.

The first Saturday of every month the LCH craft group, In Stitches, meets for fellowship. We share crafts and work on ribbon lei, but mostly we visit with each other. Every spring, before Lent, we have a special Faith and Arts Sunday when we bring in art and crafts for display. We share our offerings while enjoying other people’s work. In 2016, Faith and Arts Sunday will be on February 7.

There is always something new. This year we are starting to make Chrismons to decorate our Christmas tree. I look forward to learning a new craft. All of this creativity continues to be a blessing for me and it is one of the reasons LCH is an important part of my life.

Linda Miller

Council Highlights

• Finances are relatively healthy year to date. It is expected that the Advent and Christmas seasons will bring forth additional offerings including some annual contributions.
• The Financial Review (Audit) team is finishing the 2014 review.
• Hope Jahren and Jerelyn Watanabe have already begun planning for Punahou Carnival parking, February 5 and 6, 2016. Mark your calendars and prayerfully consider volunteering for this fundraising event for our youth.
• Seven new members (Simon Crookall, Amelia Partlow, Bruce and LaVonne Holmberg, Anna Smith, Christopher Malano, and Ayesha Nibbe) were received on November 15. Please get to know these folks and spread your aloha.
• Nominees for election to 2016 council terms are: Mary Fastenau, Ayesha Nibbe, and Noelani Nitz. Mahalo for your willingness to serve!
• Council reviewed the 2016 draft budget to present to the congregation at the first half of the annual meeting on November 22.
• We received one estimate (approximately $5,700.00) to install drywall (including painting) over the plaster on the altar walls. We still need to address the moisture in the cement walls so we don’t just hide the problem.

Poinsettia for Christmas

As in years past, we ask people to donate poinsettia to transform the nave at Christmas. Please fill out a form and put it in the collection basket, with check or cash for the cost, if you wish to donate poinsettia. After Christmas, you may take your plant home. Thank you for helping to make the environment festive for Christmas!

A Chrismon Tree—Monagrams of Christ

Be part of an LCH Advent adventure as we prepare for the coming of our Lord! Please consider joining in a venture of our ‘ohana, adding beauty to our Christmas tree, by making a Chrismon. Chrismons are special ornaments that remind us of the true meaning of the Christmas season. They are made from the symbols which represent Jesus Christ—his life, his teaching, and our Christian heritage.

Chrismon kits will be available for pick up on November 29. Kits include instructions and supplies to make a Chrismon for the LCH tree. Enjoy creating them, perhaps as a family project or as a quiet peaceful Advent activity.

Return finished Chrismons to Peggy Anderson or Randy Castello by December 20 so that they may be placed on our Christmas tree.

Book of Faith Bible Study

Thursdays, 10:00–11:30 am, in the LCH Boardroom

Our gatherings continue with the study of the Old Testament Minor Prophets. In the Catholic tradition, the minor prophets are read in the last weeks of November as the liturgical year comes to an end. The hope is that the group can study these prophets with an ear to how their sometimes radical messages may speak to us in our own troubled times. These books are generally short, but far from easy to read. There are excellent online articles you are encouraged to explore on your own in preparation for group discussion.

In Stitches Meeting

Saturday, November 5, 9:00–11:00 am

In Stitches, the LCH craft group, will meet in the Rainbow Room. Come learn to make ribbon lei or come just for the fellowship. We look forward to seeing you there!

Angel Network In-Gathering

Sunday, December 6

On the first Sunday of each month, an in-gathering of 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 December

• December 6—Advent II (The Holy Family)
• December 13— Advent III (The Shepherds)
• December 20—Advent IV (The Wise Men)
• December 27—Christmas

The Friendly Beasts

Rehearsals December 6 and 20, 9:20 am

It’s time to start think about music for the Christmas services. This year we would like to have a group of children and adults play the carol The Friendly Beasts on recorders and Orff instruments during the 5:00 pm Christmas Eve service. If you want to be a part of this, please sign up in the courtyard or contact Linda Miller or Randy Castello. You need to commit to two rehearsals, December 6 and 20 at 9:20 sharp. If you play the recorder we can provide the music early so you are able to learn it before the rehearsals.

Leadership Roundtable

Sunday, December 6, 11:45 am in the LCH Boardroom

Please plan to join Council 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!

Exploring Boundaries and Beyond

Sunday, December 6, 6:00-7:15 pm

For December, Exploring Boundaries brings us a thoughtful talk to enrich our experience during the Seasons of Advent and Christmas. What is it about the Star of Bethlehem that has captivated our imaginations for two millennia? This major feature in the Nativity narratives in Matthew’s Gospel has become an important, mysterious symbol of our faith. The star has fascinated people for two millennia, and efforts to understand the reality behind the phenomenon continue today. No theory has proved satisfactory to all who study this question, but our speaker, astronomer Dr. Robert Joseph, continues his research and has a new theory to share with us.

Dr. Joseph’s illustrated lecture will describe some of the historical interpretations of the Star of Bethlehem and show some of the astronomical events that might have represented the star. Recent research has led to a completely new understanding of the story of the Wise Men from the East and the Star they followed. Dr. Joseph will show how this new interpretation finally makes astronomical, astrological, historical, and textual sense of the events recorded in Matthew’s Gospel.

Bob Joseph is an Astronomer in the Institute for Astronomy (IfA), UH Mānoa, where he teaches the general education survey of astronomy, graduate courses in cosmology, and honors courses in science and religion. For many years he served as director of the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility on Mauna Kea. His research interests are in extragalactic astronomy, especially the astrophysical effects of collisions between galaxies. An active member of Calvary-By-the-Sea (CBTS) Lutheran Church, Bob has chaired their Peace & Social Justice Committee and is on the Council. He also sings baritone in the Symphony Chorus and the CBTS Choir. And, for good measure, Asteroid 7159 was named ”Bobjoseph” by the International Astronomical Union.

The evening ends with the option to attend Evening Prayer at 7:30. This meditative service includes the congregation singing a hymn and responses. We also share a short reading from the Bible, time for reflection and prayer, and a special choir anthem. The service takes place in the candlelit nave.

Evening Prayer

Sunday, December 6 and 20, 7:30-8:00 pm

Join us on the first and third Sundays for Evening Prayer. This peaceful experience of rejuvenation and prayer provides calm in the frenzy of holiday preparation and will enhance your Advent experience.

Holoholo Pick-Up

Tuesdays, December 8, 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. To join or find more information visit their website www.holoholostore.com. Bi-weekly produce bag prices begin at $25 and LCH is a drop-off point.

Process Thought Forum

Countering Radical Islam with Cartoons, Comedy, and Spoken Word Poetry
Saturday, December 12, 9:30-11:00 am in the LCH Boardroom

Process Thought Forum will meet to discuss the article, from the Jesus, Jazz and Buddhism webpage, “Average Mohammed Takes on Radical Islam.” The articles provides a chance to review what a Process (Whiteheadian) understanding might provide to the current situation involving incidents centered around activities attributed to a portion of Islamic thought. We owe it to ourselves and the world community to become informed about trends in our contemporary world. We also owe it to ourselves to be knowledgeable and conversant about our own religious and/or philosophical traditions in this context. Join us for this discussion.

Confirmation Classes

Sundays, December 13 and 20, at 12:00 pm in the LCH Rainbow Room

Confirmation is a time for pre-teens and teens to discover more about their faith in God and to deepen their learning about the church, the Bible (Old Testament this semester), and Lutheran concepts. Please contact Pastor Jeff for more information.

LCH Women’s Book Club

Monday, December 14, 9:30 am

We’re meeting at Murashige’s for our Second Annual Brunch/Planning Session. Bring your reading suggestions and a little something edible to share. We’ll enjoy our friends, share some holiday cheer, and plan for 2016.

Writers’ Workshop

Monday, December 14, 7:00-8:30 pm

Writers’ Workshop will meet for its final get-together of the year in the LCH Boardroom. All are welcome! For information, please call the LCH office at 808-941-2566.

Karol’s Karolers are Back!

Friday, December 18, 7:00 pm at LCH

Karol’s Karolers is a group of singers, some from the LCH Choir, who give free concerts as a gift to the community during December. They perform Christmas carols from around the world in about a dozen different languages, including some old favorites. The LCH concert is expected to run for about 50 minutes. Please come!

Deck the Halls

Thursday, December 24

We will be decorating the church for Christmas from 9:00 am until it’s finished. Come join in this festive transformation of the sanctuary.

One Pot, One Hope

Saturday, December 26, 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, paper pages for packing meals, and large cardboard boxes—or checks, payable to “One Pot, One Hope.” Bring donated items to church on the third Sunday of the month (November 15). See Peggy Anderson for more information, including volunteering and carpool.

Offering Envelopes

Offering envelopes will be available at church on Sunday, December 13, for those who requested them when making a pledge. If you would like a box of envelopes for your contributions but did not make a pledge or forgot to check the box your pledge card, please let the office know, and a box will be ready for you on December 13.

Of course, you do not need a box of envelopes to contribute. You are welcome to just drop your check in the offering plate without putting it in an envelope or to put your check or cash in a plain envelope from home or one of the envelopes provided in the pews.

If you still have envelopes from this year or from previous years and want to keep using them, that’s fine too. However, since numbers are reassigned each year, the counters may not be able to match your “old” number with you. So, if you use old envelopes, please cross out the number and be sure to write your name on the envelope.

End of Year Donations

Thank you for your generous giving throughout this year. Your faithful stewardship has enabled us to grow in ministry and faithfully support the larger church and community. Mahalo! Your generous gifts are always needed and appreciated this time of year, and any gift you can give will be a blessing. Additional gifts to the general fund are always most helpful, but you may also make gifts to support capital projects, community assistance or any other need.

The IRS requires that donations made for charitable purposes must be received here at the church or postmarked by December 31 in order to be counted as 2015 charitable deductions. Contributions brought to church on or after January 1 will be counted as 2016 charitable deductions, no matter what the date is on the check.

Money, Money, Money!

You can be a member of the LCH Finance Committee! The current, very mature, members of the Finance Committee are looking for new, young, eager members to join them one hour a month in overseeing the LCH finances. We are in good financial shape and provide easily understandable statements. This is a great opportunity to learn more about budgeting. No expertise required. Contact Steve Miller through the Church Office (808-946-2566 or lch@lchwelcome.org).

Committee Chairs—Annual Reports

It’s time to begin compiling the Annual Report! If you have not done so already, please submit your committee’s yearly report to the LCH office by Monday, December 21. Direct questions to the office at 808-941-2566 or email lch@LCHwelcome.org.

Mary Magdalene Society

Mary Magdalene Society will not be meeting in December. Scheduling and information for the January meeting will be forthcoming.

German Vespers for New Year’s Day

Friday, January 1, 4:00 pm at LCH

German Vespers is a festival service welcoming the New Year and featuring joyous music. This year we introduce a German New Year’s tradition: One Bible verse is selected every year that becomes the Bible verse for that year. It is called Jahreslosung. For 2016 it is Isaiah 66:13—“Like a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you.” To learn more about Jahreslosung, visit their website, www.jahreslosung.eu.

The Choir of the Lutheran Church of Honolulu, soloists, and the Bach Chamber Orchestra join forces in worship and prayer under the direction of Scott Fikse. Many other parts of the service, including the homily by the Rev. Anke Flohr, executive director of Pacific Health Ministries, are also in German with translations provided.

Parking is free, as is the concert service, and freewill offerings are gratefully accepted. For more information, email Scott Fikse, director of music and liturgy, at scott@lchwelcome.org.

Anticipating a Big Celebration: 500th Anniversary

The year 2017 marks the 500th anniversary of the traditional beginning of the Lutheran movement that started in Wittenberg, Germany, with the nailing of Luther’s 95 Theses to the door of that town’s church. The period, known as the Reformation, was inaugurated and its effects spread worldwide.

Now we ask what our congregation can do to honor and celebrate that rich heritage. Ideas are already circulating, but there is certainly room for more. More definite plans will be elaborated after the first of the year. Meanwhile, let your own creative imagination suggest some activity or project that seems fitting for such a celebration.

Electronic Funds Transfers for October

Offering Fund	Amount	Offering Fund	Amount
Offering	$5,894	Mission Campaign	$50
Music Fund/Instruments	$160	Wounded Warriors	$25

Attendance and Offerings for November

Date	Worship Service	Attendance	Offering Fund	Amount
November 1	8:00 am Service	47	Offering	$7,801
	10:30 am Service	70	Social Ministries	$300
	Total	117	Music/Instruments	$460
November 8	8:00 am Service	56	Offering	$2,055
	10:30 am Service	72	Wounded Warriors	$120
	Total	128	Concert Donations	$2,100
			Mission Endowment Fund	$922
November 15	8:00 am Service	48	Offering	$2,399
	10:30 am Service	82	Crosier Memorial	$300
	Evening Prayer	17
	Total	147
November 22	8:00 am Service	58	Offering	$2,755
	10:30 am Service	72	Wounded Warriors	$2,000
	Total	130	Music/Instruments	$60
November 29	8:00 am Service	46	Offering	$3,123
	10:30 am Service	771	Altar Flowers	$43
	Advent Procession	77	Seminarian Assistance	$15
	Total	194	Social Ministries	$61
			Crosier Memorial	$200

HeartBeat Deadline

Tuesday, December 15, 9:00 am

Bobby B., Cheri, Denise, Diane, Fran, Gene, Geri, Gianna, Irene, Irmgard, Jennie, Jessica, Karen, Kathy S., Kelly, Kent, Meyer family, Michael, Quentin, Sandi, and Stephen

December Birthdays

12/03	Betty Petersen
12/04	James Sullivan
12/04	Jerelyn Watanabe
12/06	Jean Lilley
12/09	Masako Schwabenitz
12/10	Tom Juvinall
12/12	Penny Lawhn
12/17	Carly Schweigert
12/18	Jacob Burkman
12/18	Adelheid Khuehnle W.
12/19	Andrew Yeh
12/20	Peggy Anderson
12/25	Nicole E.-N.
12/23	Michael Burnett
12/23	Linden Doescher
12/24	Sophie C.
12/28	Rusty Walker

LCH Worship Participants

Holy Communion (8:00 am)
DATE	December 6	December 13	December 20	December 27
LECTOR	Peggy Anderson	Jimmy Castro	Carolyn Koehler	Cindy Scheinert Carolyn Koehler Jimmy Castro Craig Clissold Jim Sullivan Jeanne Lilley
ASSISTING MINISTER	Laurie Leach	Bobby Broyles	Sophia Stark	Peggy Anderson
COMMUNION ASSISTANTS	Peggy Anderson Kyra Takamiya Wayne Gau	Sophia Stark Laurie Leach Sheena Lim-Urban	Kyra Takamiya Wayne Gau	Sheena Lim-Urban Carolyn Koehler Chuck Huxel
ACOLYTE	Raphael S.	Charles C.	Hunter N.	Dylan D.
LAYING ON HANDS		Stephanie Luuloa
USHERS	Fred Benco Billie Jean Ries Craig Clissold
Choral Eucharist (10:30 am)
DATE	December 6	December 13	December 20	December 27
LECTOR	Walter Cummings	Kathryn Klingebiel	Peter Flachsbart	Juditha Murashige Kathryn Klingebiel Randy Castello Roy Helms
DEACON	Mary Fastenau	Jacqui Darroch	Josie Bidgood	Shy Healey
SUB-DEACON	Frank Haas	Marcus Fikse	Chuck Pearson	Teresa McCreary
COMMUNION ASSISTANTS	Bob Tellander Randy Christensen	Nathalie J. Jim Cartwright	Phyllis Hormann Mary Fastenau	Bob Tellander Randy Christensen
ACOLYTES	Rebecca L. Iara N.	Lillie J. Coco J.	Azure S. Scarlett S.	TJ H. Reid W.
LAYING ON HANDS		John Bickel
USHERS	Peter Flachsbart Bill Fay Chuck Huxel	ALTAR GUILD		Olivia Castro Mary-Jo Estes Billie Jean Ries Noelani Nitz
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
DATE	Christmas Eve Family Service 5:00pm	Christmas Eve Festival Eucharist 11:00pm	Christmas Day Festival Eucharist 10:30am
LECTOR	Peggy Anderson	Aaron Gould	Randy Castello
ASSISTING MINISTER	Don Johnson
DEACON		Marcus Fikse	Bob Tellander
SUB-DEACON		Jeanne Castello	Shy Healey
COMMUNION ASSISTANTS	Peggy Anderson Carolyn Koehler	Jim Cartwright Don Johnson	Phyllis Hormann Stephanie Luuloa
ACOLYTES	Charles C.	Reid W. Max W.	TJ H. Rebecca L.

Calendar: December 2015

Day	Date	Event and Time
Thursday	December 3	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Saturday	December 5	9:00 am, In Stitches
Sunday	December 6	8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 11:45 am, Leadership Roundtable 6:00 pm, Exploring Boundaries 7:30 pm, Evening Prayer
Monday	December 7	7:00 pm, Eight O’Clock Ensemble Rehearsal
Tuesday	December 8	2:00 pm, Holoholo pick-up
Wednesday	December 9	12:30 pm, Finance Committee Meeting
Thursday	December 10	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Saturday	December 12	9:30 am, Process Thought Forum
Sunday	December 13	8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 12:00 pm, Confirmation Class
Monday	December 14	10:00 am, LCH Women’s Book Club 6:00 pm, Worship & Music Meeting 7:00 pm, Eight O’Clock Ensemble Rehearsal
Tuesday	December 15	Heartbeat Deadline! 6:30 pm, Council Meeting
Thursday	December 17	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Friday	December 18	1:00 pm, IHS Meals prepared 5:30 pm, IHS Meals served 6:00pm, Karol’s Karolers Concert
Sunday	December 20	8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 12:00 pm, Confirmation Class 7:00 pm, Poetry Group 7:30 pm, Evening Prayer
Monday	December 21	6:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal 8:00 pm, Eight O’Clock Ensemble Rehearsal
Wednesday	December 23	6:45 pm, LCH Choir Christmas Eve Rehearsal
Thursday	December 24	9:00 am, Nave Christmas Decorating 5:00 pm, Christmas Eve Family Service 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal 10:30 pm, Music for Christmastide 11:00 pm, Christmas Eve Choral Eucharist
Friday	December 25	Christmas Day—Office Closed 10:30 am, Christmas Day Choral Eucharist
Saturday	December 26	10:00 am, One Pot One Hope
Sunday	December 27	8:00 am, Holy Communion—Lessons & Carols 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist—Lessons & Carols
Monday	December 28	6:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal 8:00 pm, Eight O’Clock Ensemble Rehearsal
Thursday	December 31	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting
Friday	January 1	New Year’s Day—Office Closed 4:00 pm, German Vespers