In this issue:
- A Message from Pastor Jeff
- Stewardship Corner
- Council Report
- Holoholo Pick-Up
- Committee/Interest Group Chairs
- Book of Faith Bible Study
- It’s Punahou Carnival Time!
- No In Stitches in February
- Angel Network In-Gathering
- Twelfth Annual Faith and Arts Sunday
- Godly Play—Sunday School News
- Poetry Group
- Evening Prayer
- Book of Faith Bible Study
- Process Thought Forum
- Mary Magdalene Society
- Confirmation Classes
- Office Closed Presidents’ Day
- LCH Women’s Book Club
- Writers’ Workshop
- Lenten Soup and Salad Suppers
- “HOW SWEET THE SOUND” An Evening of Spirituals at LCH
- Exploring Boundaries and Beyond
- One Pot, One Hope
- Food for Thought
- Children’s Benefit Concert on March 5
- Anticipating a Big Celebration
- Office Hours Reminder
- HeartBeat Deadline
- Electronic Funds Transfers for December
- Attendance and Offerings for January
- Prayer Requests
- January Birthdays
- LCH Worship Participants (8:00 am)
- LCH Worship Participants (10:30 am)
- Calendar: February 2016
A Message from Pastor Jeff
A Welcome Place
When I ask first-time visitors to LCH about their experience of worshipping at Lutheran Church of Honolulu, I often hear this: “This is such a welcoming church!”They seem surprised to have been received with joy and openness at God’s table and among God’s people. Along with surprise, they also seem delighted by the experience of shared food and stories, laughter and a place at God’s Holy Table. On one hand, I am very proud and humbled to serve a congregation where a spirit of welcome, acceptance, and love are part of the fabric of life. On the other hand, I pray that the surprise and delight of feeling welcome at LCH is not an indicator that folks have felt unwelcome in other churches!
Each of us has felt unwelcome at times. Sometimes we are unwelcome because of our race, sexuality, appearance, or background. Other times the lack of welcome is less intentional. A neglected smile, a hostile building exterior, inaccessibility or even untidiness have all been identified by church visitors as reasons they felt unwelcome or uncomfortable. I remember interviewing at a church many years ago where boxes and tables were piled up near the entrance to the Nave. To me, it looked like they were packing up to leave before I have even had a chance to worship with them! I wanted to leave with them.
The key to welcome is to understand that the welcome we offer the stranger, and one another, is the welcome God in Christ has first and freely offered us. God, who promised to dwell among us and be with us forever, welcomes us into infinite and all-encompassing love. This welcoming love comes to us in the moment of conception, and in the waters of baptism we are washed with. That love sticks with us for life.
We are invited each week to God’s table where we are nourished with bread that is true life and wine that satisfies our deepest thirst. We are bathed in the light of the Word and of Wisdom, hope, and challenge. The shalom that God gives as a gift is shared with friend and stranger alike. And in our brokenness, we receive healing that only love can bring.
Having received all that, what else can we do but give it away to others? Having been loved in our brokenness, what else can we do but love the broken other? Having been fed at God’s table, what else can we do but feed those most in need? Having been given a house in the Lord, what else can we do but shelter those who suffer? And having been welcomed by God, what else can we do but welcome the stranger?
So, thank you for sharing the love of God who first welcomed and loved us. And may we always be a welcoming place for all of God’s children.
Pastor Jeff
Double Passions: for Writing and for Food and Discussion!
The LCH Writers’ Workshop has been active since Fall 1992. The Workshop meets on Mondays, generally the third Monday of the month, during the Spring and the Fall through the school year, in the Boardroom or the Rainbow Room. This spring 2016 we are meeting at a new time, 5:30–7:00 pm. All are always welcome to attend
The group is flexible; there are no “members” per se, just people who write and wish to share or who just wish to share some piece of writing they’re fond of. One of the best parts of this small group is a chance to hear words read aloud in the author’s own voice. Over the last 23 years, we estimate that we’ve had about 50 participants
We have shared all kinds of writing: poems (lots of poems), short stories, parts of a romance novel, memoirs, letters to the editor, parts of a master’s thesis, cookbooks, travelogs, philosophy, even original rock ‘n roll songs (with live guitar)—as well as artwork, carvings, and other handwork. Writers’ Workshop regularly participates in our annual Faith in Arts Sunday. And this year we will also be participating in Holden Evening Prayer services on the five Wednesdays during Lent.
Food for Thought has been in existence for more than 35 years, an informal group of LCH members and friends who gather 5–6 times a year for potluck supper, a video, and dessert and discussion. The food is great, the videos always thought-provoking, and the fellowship is even better. Again, all are invited and welcome to participate
Keep your eye on the Heartbeat, the eNews, and the Sunday bulletins for announcement of upcoming meetings of Food for Thought and of Writers’ Workshop
Council Report
Your Congregational Council for 2016:
- Co-Presidents—Craig Clissold and Mary Fastenau
- Vice President—Dori Palcovich
- Secretary—Karyn Castro
- Treasurer —Steve Miller
- Members—Fred Benco, Randy Castello, Hope Jahren, Lori Nishimura, Josie Bidgood, Noe Nitz, Pastor Jeff Lilley, one vacant seat.
Committee/Interest Group Chairs
| Committee/Group | Leader |
|---|---|
| Archive: | Jim Cartwright |
| Concert: | Scott Fikse |
| Communications: | Carol Langner |
| Council: | Craig Clissold & Mary Fastenau |
| Exploring Boundaries: | Carol Langner |
| Fellowship: | Jeanne Castello & Mary-Jo Estes |
| Finance: | Steve Miller |
| Financial Review: | Ron Murashige |
| Food for Thought: | Kathryn Klingebiel |
| In Stitches: | Linda Miller |
| Lay Ministers: | Carolyn Koehler |
| Learning Ministry: | Fred Benco |
| Mary Magdalene Society: | James Cartwright |
| Process Theology: | Fritz Fritschel |
| Property: | Jean-Paul Klingebiel & Greg Gebhardt |
| Scholarship: | Fred Benco |
| Social Ministry: | Jean Lilley |
| Stewardship: | Pam Buckley |
| Sunday School: | Laurie Leach |
| Worship & Music: | Linda Miller & Randy Castello |
| Writers’ Workshop: | Kathryn Klingebiel |
| Youth: | Pr. Jeff Lilley |
Holoholo Pick-Up
Tuesdays, February 2 & 16, 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.
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.
It’s Punahou Carnival Time!
Come help at the parking fundraiser
The Punahou Carnival parking fundraiser, which takes place early each year, the is our youths’ main fundraiser for the year. We put LCH parking spaces to good use, providing convenient and safe parking for hundreds of families as they enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of the carnival. Last year, we parked more than 450 cars and raised more than $7,000 in donations to LCH youth programs.
We need adult volunteers to make sure everything runs smoothly. Will you spend a few hours Friday, February 5, or Saturday, February 6, helping out? If you can commit to a shift greeting drivers, handing out receipts, watching the property, and generally adding fellowship to the mix, please join us! Families are welcome to come and work as a team!
This year, we’ll host a water table as well. Our younger children will work to keep coolers loaded with ice, give out water, and “run” supplies back and forth without crossing any streets. Join us to support our youth and add a supervising eye to the proceedings!
No In Stitches in February
Because of the business involved in the Punahou Carnival parking, we will skip the usual meeting of In Stitches in February. See you next month!
Angel Network In-Gathering
Sunday, February 7
On the first Sunday of each month, an in-gathering of food and personal items is 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.
Twelfth Annual Faith and Arts Sunday
Sunday, February 7, Hörmann Courtyard
Faith and Arts Sunday highlights the creativity of our congregation by displaying our artwork, handwork, and writings during the services. Many of you have already committed to show your art or craft item that day or to put your poem or short work of prose up on the board. If you were not able to sign up by January 31, contact Linda Miller through the Church Office at 808-941-2566 no later than February 3.
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 February:
- February 7—Parable of the Good Samaritan
- February 14—The Mystery of Easter Puzzle
- February 21—The Faces of Easter I, II, III
- February 28—The Faces of Easter IV, V, VI
Poetry Group
Sunday, February 7, 6:45 pm
Poetry group will meet on the first Sunday of February prior to Evening Prayer, which begins at 7:30 pm.
Evening Prayer
Sunday, February 7, 7:30 pm
Join us for Evening Prayer. This peaceful a cappella experience of rejuvenation and prayer provides a respite of calm and thoughtful contemplation. There will be no Evening Prayer on February 21 because of the concert that evening.
Process Thought Forum
Why I Left Process Theology: Confessions of a Process Apostate
Saturday, February 13, 9:30 am
Our discussion focuses on this article from the Jesus, Jazz and Buddhism website. It is a hypothetical letter written by Jay McDaniel posing questions about perceived shortcomings of process theology. Not surprisingly, parallels with criticisms of Christianity abound. An instructive and timely topic! All are welcome to join us for lively discussion.
Mary Magdalene Society
Saturday, February 13, 6:00 pm, Isenberg Hall
Note: This event was rescheduled from February 6. Please join our potluck supper and games night in Isenberg Hall. Supper begins at 6:00 (set up at 5:30; help is greatly appreciated) with games to follow. Please bring a food item and your favorite game(s).
If you are interested in being on our email list, please contact Jim Cartwright at jasfcartw@gmail.com. Provide your name and email address. Please share information of this gathering and an invitation to other LGBTQI and friends you know who may be interested in socializing with us.
Confirmation Classes
Sundays, February 14, 21, and 28, 12:00 noon 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, and Lutheran concepts. Please contact Pastor Jeff for more information.
Office Closed
Monday, February 15 • Presidents’ Day
LCH Women’s Book Club
Monday, February 15, 10:00-11:30 am
We will meet at the Murashige’s to discuss The Blue Zone. National Geographic explorer Dan Buettner spent recent years traveling the globe, analyzing cultures where people live long, healthy lives, teasing out the secrets behind their enduring well-being. In March we’ll meet to discuss The Quiet Girl by Peter Hoeg. Our meeting place is not yet determined.
Writers’ Workshop
Monday, February 15, 5:30-7:00 pm
Please note our new time! Writers’ Workshop will meet in the LCH Boardroom. Additional meetings are planned for March 14, April 18, and May 16. All are welcome! For information, please call the LCH office at 808-941-2566.
Lenten Soup and Salad Suppers
February 17 & 24 and March 2, 9 & 16, 6:00 pm in Isenberg Hall
Please join in the fellowship of a simple soup and salad supper on Wednesday evenings during the season of Lent. Suppers will be served at 6:00 pm, prior to 7:00 pm Lenten services.
A sign-up sheet will be available for contributions to each week’s meal and for help with set-up and cleanup. See Mary-Jo Estes for more information.
“HOW SWEET THE SOUND” An Evening of Spirituals at LCH
Sunday, February 21, 5:00 pm
Georgine Stark, soprano, presents an evening of spirituals in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and in the spirit of Black History Month. Experience an evening of song called the spiritual. The recital features the emotionally powerful arrangements of Moses Hogan. Hear how spirituals impacted the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and his dream of equality.
Joining Georgine will be Sachi P. Hirakouji, piano, and Darel Stark, violin. Tickets will be available at the door for $20 general, $10 student/senior. For more information call 808-754-0031 or visit www.georginestark.com.
Exploring Boundaries and Beyond
February 2016
Attendees of Exploring Boundaries are urged to come a little earlier than our usual time for a recital of spirituals—see announcement above—by LCH member Georgine Stark, in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Georgine is well known in Honolulu as a premier soprano soloist about town. Her high “C” which ends “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” is not to be missed!
Exploring Boundaries resumes on March 20 (Palm Sunday) with our usual format of presentation/discussion at 6:00 pm, followed by Evening Prayer at 7:30 pm.
One Pot, One Hope
Saturday, February 27, 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 (February 21). See Peggy Anderson for more information, including volunteering and carpool.
Food for Thought
Saturday, February 27, 5:30–8:00 pm
The next meeting of Food for Thought has been scheduled to meet at the home of Irmgard and David Hörmann. Please note the early hour, much appreciated by Irmgard and David. All are welcome for potluck supper, video, and discussion. For information, please call the LCH office at 808-941-2566.
Children’s Benefit Concert
Saturday, March 5 • 4:00 pm • LCH Nave
It’s that time of year again! The Sunday School is preparing to offer our annual benefit concert on Saturday, March 5. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the children’s very own fundraising concerts.
The beneficiary will again be the ELCA Good Gifts program. The children ask the members of the congregation to make a pledge at the concert or any time during Lent which will be added to the money children have contributed during Sunday School. After the concert, the Sunday School decides which particular gifts to fund. The Good Gifts program enables individuals or groups to sponsor gifts of farm animals, clean water, health care, and education to help communities around the world transcend poverty and hunger. This tradition offers our children a chance to practice stewardship by donating their time and talent toward a worthy cause and a chance for adults in the congregation to model stewardship for the children by making contributions in connection with the concert.
We hope you will attend the concert and consider giving $1 a day during Lent ($40) towards the fundraising effort. In the past, the children have performed with song and dance and on trumpet, violin, cello, drums, flute, organ, and piano. Please join us on March 5 for an invigorating concert and consider contributing to the ELCA’s worldwide ministries!
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. This event inaugurated the period known as the Reformation, 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.
Office Hours Reminder
LCH office hours are from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. The office is closed on weekends and on state and federal holidays. Voicemail messages are not checked after regular business hours.
For assistance with church business on a weekend or holiday, 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.
| Offering Fund | Amount | Offering Fund | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Offering | $6,625 | Mission Campaign | $50 |
| Music Fund/Instruments | $160 | Wounded Warriors | $141 |
| Capital Improvements | $107 |
HeartBeat Deadline
Tuesday, February 16, 9:00 am
Cheri, Denise, Diane, Fran, Gene, Geri, Gianna, Irene, Irmgard, Jennie, Jessica, Karen, Kathy S., Kent, Michael, Quentin, Sandi, Stephen, and the Wood family
| Day | Date | Event and Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | February 1 | 7:00 pm, Early Ensemble Rehearsal |
| Tuesday | February 2 | 2:00 pm, Holoholo pick-up |
| Thursday | February 4 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal |
| Friday | February 5 | Punahou Carnival parking fundraiser |
| Saturday | February 6 | Punahou Carnival parking fundraiser |
| Sunday | February 7 | Angel Network In-Gathering Faith and Arts Sunday 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 6:45 pm, Poetry Group 7:30 pm, Evening Prayer |
| Monday | February 8 | 6:00 pm, Worship & Music Meeting 7:00 pm, Early Ensemble Rehearsal |
| Wednesday | February 10 | 12:30 pm, Finance Committee Meeting 7:30 pm, Ash Wednesday Worship |
| Thursday | February 11 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal |
| Saturday | February 13 | 9:30 am, Process Thought Forum 6:00 pm, Mary Magdalene Society |
| Sunday | February 14 | 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 12:00 pm, Confirmation Class |
| Monday | February 15 | 10:00 am, LCH Women’s Book Club 5:30 pm, Writers’ Workshop 7:00 pm, Early Ensemble Rehearsal |
| Tuesday | February 16 | Heartbeat Deadline! 2:00 pm, Holoholo pick-up 6:30 pm, Council Meeting |
| Wednesday | February 17 | 6:00 pm, Lenten Soup and Salad Supper 7:00 pm, Lenten Service |
| Thursday | February 18 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal |
| Friday | February 19 | 1:00 pm, IHS Meals prepared 5:30 pm, IHS Meals served |
| Sunday | February 21 | 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 12:00 pm, Confirmation Class 5:00 pm, An Evening of Spirituals |
| Monday | February 22 | 8:00 pm, Early Ensemble Rehearsal |
| Wednesday | February 24 | 6:00 pm, Lenten Soup and Salad Supper 7:00 pm, Lenten Service |
| Thursday | February 25 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal |
| Saturday | February 27 | 10:00 am, One Pot One Hope 5:30 pm, Food for Thought |
| Sunday | February 28 | 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 12:00 pm, Confirmation Class |
| Monday | February 29 | 7:00 pm, Early Ensemble Rehearsal |