In this issue:
- A Message from Pastor Jeff
- Stewardship Corner
- Summer Schedules
- Committee/Interest Group Chairs
- Holoholo Pick-Up
- Book of Faith Bible Study
- Angel Network In-Gathering
- Summer Gatherings Emphasize ELCA Project
- Three IHS Volunteers Needed
- Process Thought Forum
- Mary Magdalene Society
- Leadership Roundtable
- LCH Women’s Book Club
- One Pot, One Hope
- Youth & Family Movie Night
- Rally Sunday
- Music Ministry Internship Available
- Will You Help Count the Offering?
- Food for Thought in September
- Anticipating a Big Celebration
- Congratulations Lindsey Bell!
- Wet’n’Wild Photo
- HeartBeat Deadline
- Electronic Funds Transfers for June
- Attendance and Offerings for July
- Prayer Requests
- August Birthdays
- LCH Worship Participants (9:15 am)
- Calendar: August 2016
From Pastor Jeff
The Things That Make for Peace
And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
to give knowledge of salvation to his people
in the forgiveness of their sins,
because of the tender mercy of our God,
whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.—Luke 1:76–79
Zachariah, filled with the Spirit after the birth of his son John to Elizabeth, prophesies these words, which have brought challenge and hope to generations. Many thought John would be the one who would bring that hope, lead Israel out slavery under the Romans, and usher in a new era of prosperity. But it was not to be. Instead, John prepared the way for an unexpected, and sometimes unwelcome, Messiah named Jesus. Even Jesus did not live up to expectations. He consorted with sinners, called simple fisher folk into discipleship, challenged religious authorities, and healed the unclean and gentiles alike. He raised neither army nor revolution. Instead, he raised hope and lifted up love. He shared exactly what Zechariah foretold in his wonderful prophesy—knowledge of forgiveness, mercy, light in the darkness, and a way for weary feet.
In these days of increasing uncertainty and international and national violence we, like our ancestors of old, are once again looking to God for help we cannot seem to give ourselves. In the wake of recent killings in Japan, Germany, France, Turkey, Iran, and the U.S., we feel very much like “those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.” Political and social organizations are trying to do their part to curb senseless violence and death. Where causes like oppression, hunger, and powerlessness are at the root of violence, governance can be effective. But violence at the hands of terrorists, or the desperate, the disturbed or the determined, is barely effected by policies and procedures. Rules, it turns out, only matter to those determined to keep them anyway.
As we encourage governments, judicatories, law enforcement, and the military do their part to promote peace, what role can we as Christians—and as the church—play? Jesus guided his sisters and brothers to the way of peace through love. Maybe that is a place to start. In these days of political upheaval in our own country, we are inundated with messages of intolerance, discrimination, and even hate. The rhetoric of some self-described Christian groups demonizes other religions, vilifies people of color, calls for the death of LBTQ persons, and stereotypes certain nationalities, all in the name of Christ. (It is ironic that Jesus was not American, Aryan, or Christian.) A beginning place for us as Christians is to be a persistent voice of love and forgiveness in world that seems, at least if you watch the media, to be awash in hate.
Can we live out a message of God’s tender mercy? Can we shed light and love in the very places where darkness and hate seem most at home? Can we demonstrate the art of healthy debate and mutual discovery instead of engaging in winner-take-all battles of will and wit? When we engage in service to the hungry and houseless, can we give our all even to those who may be different than us? Can we share with the world the radical notion that life is not about getting all we can for ourselves, but sharing all that we have so that everyone has enough?
God has sent us the sunrise, and he has gifted us with the Spirit of his love to guide our feet in the way of peace. May we follow our feet with willing hands and hearts for the transformation of the world.
Pastor Jeff
A Passion for Singing God’s Praises
In the year since I became your director of music and liturgy, it has become quite apparent that LCH is a place with many gifts. Our members are musical, ambitious, creative, passionate, skilled, open-hearted, and more. I want to take this opportunity to invite some of you who might have considered sharing those gifts to take the next step and take an active part in our music ministry. The musical ensembles at both 8:00 and 10:30 services are welcoming new members, and with fall approaching this is a perfect time to audition.
The LCH Choir, which sings for the 10:30 worship service, is anticipating an ambitious season, beginning with a visit from Richard Nace, internationally respected choral conductor and clinician. Of course we have Advent Procession, collaborations with the St. Andrew’s Cathedral Choir (and other ensembles), German Vespers, a winter Martin Luther King, Jr., concert, and much more to look forward to.
Our Early Worship Ensemble will be doing more with gospel and spirituals this year, and we plan to welcome several professional musicians from the greater community into the group.
We would ask that you, the congregation, keep your eyes and ears open for prospective singers who might like to share their talents at either service. Or perhaps you’re that individual?
Please feel free to email or meet with me regarding joining one of these ensembles. Both groups rehearse weekly. The LCH Choir offers a more rigorous schedule of concerts and rehearsals with high expectations for attendance and musicianship, but not without flexibility, opportunities for growth, and one-on-one time with the director. Our Early Worship Ensemble is currently scheduled for three services per month, with a more relaxed commitment schedule and contemporary feel.
Finally, if you don’t consider yourself to be musical but still wish to be involved, you are encouraged to join our Hymn Selection Committee. This group meets to find hymns that reflect the message of the day and the needs of our church family, striving to create a meaningful, cohesive worship experience. Our next meeting will be 6:00 pm on Wednesday, September 7.
All are welcome to become part of LCH’s music ministry. Please send questions or requests for an audition to scott@LCHwelcome.org. Thank you for your wonderful support of our music ministry.
Scott Fikse
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 |
Summer Schedules
Continuing through Sunday, August 28, we will be following our summer worship schedule. There will be one worship service on Sundays, at 9:15 am. This is a communion service. There will be no Evening Prayer during the summer months. Evening Prayer resumes on the first Sunday of September.
Other programs, such as Exploring Boundaries, Confirmation classes, Godly Play and Sunday School for children, Food for Thought, Poetry Group, and Writers’ Workshop, will break for the summer as well. Check the LCH calendar on-line, or The HeartBeat and weekly LCHNews calendars for group scheduling information.
Holoholo Pick-Up
Tuesdays, August 2, 16, and 30, 2:30–4:00 pm
LCH Boardroom
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, LCH Boardroom
The Book of Faith Bible study meets on Thursday mornings in the Boardroom. All are welcome to join this lively discussion of the Biblical texts, relevant current events, and historical foundations. The group is currently studying the book of Proverbs. Please join us for lively engaging fellowship and discussion!
Angel Network In-Gathering
Sunday, August 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.
Summer Gatherings Emphasize ELCA Project
Third and Final Session on Sunday, August 7, 9:45-10:30 am
Over the course of the summer months, LCH has joined thousands of ELCA congregations in participating in Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton’s church-wide initiative “Called Forward Together in Christ.” The initiative is an ongoing conversation taking place at every level in the ELCA, including the church-wide office, seminaries, synods, regions, and congregations. The intent is to shape the future of our ministry in light of God’s call, the cultures in which we find ourselves, and the current economic and ecologic realities of a changing world.
In our congregational, we have been engaged in conversation about emerging ideas for ministry and engagement in our neighborhood, community, and membership. Notes from the first two sessions on July 3 and 24 are posted on campus and on our website.
Our final session is Sunday, August 7. We will worship from 9:15 to 9:45 am. Immediately following the worship service, we will gather in the courtyard to share a light brunch—food will be provided—and engage in conversation. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate. This should be a truly fun, energetic, and meaningful time of conversation about how God is working in our midst, and how we hope to be at work and prayer in God’s midst. Please plan to be there!
Notes from the three sessions are available on the “Called Forward in Christ” page
Three IHS Volunteers Needed
Saturday, August 13, 9:15 am
Three volunteers are needed to help our sister church Joy of Christ’s IHS serving team, which is depleted this month due to vacations.
On behalf of our congregation, Larry Anderson told Joy of Christ we would supply four members to help them prepare and serve their monthly scheduled IHS noon meal, Saturday August 13. JOC prepares about 200 bean burritos and Spanish rice. The group meets around 9:15 am and finishes by 12:45 pm.
Please contact Larry Anderson via the LCH office, 808-941-2566, if you are able to help. Larry will be one of the four serving. Parking is in the old K-Mart lot.
If you never have served, this is a heart warming experience. The IHS participants are always very appreciative and hungry!
Process Thought Forum
Saturday, August 13, 9:30 am • LCH Boardroom
Our time together will focus on the contributions of John Cobb to Process Thought. There is a special YouTube presentation that celebrates his 90th birthday along with the significant influence of his life and his mentoring of many younger process thinkers. Cobb is perhaps the major process theologian in the second half of the 20th century. The YouTube presentation will generate a fruitful discussion of his legacy. All are welcome. If you have questions you may contact Fritz through the LCH office 808-941-2566.
Mary Magdalene Society
Saturday, August 13, 6:00 pm • Isenberg Hall
LGBTQI and friends, please join our potluck supper and games or video night in Isenberg Hall. Supper begins at 6:00 pm with games or video to follow. Set up begins at 5:30, and help is greatly appreciated. Please bring a food item to share.
Building on the fun of the last few months, the theme for August is “Surpise!” Bring along a thing or a story (about yourself or someone else) that will surprise us all. Games and or vidoes for after-dinner entrtainment are welcome. If are bringing a video, please let Jim Cartwright, Roy Helms, or Bill Potter know in advance so that we can line up the equipment for viewing. For more information, contact Jim at jasfcartw@gmail.com. Please share information of this gathering and an invitation to other LGBTQI and friends you know who may be interested in socializing with us.
Leadership Roundtable
Sunday, August 14, 10:30 am • LCH Boardroom
Committee chairs and team leader, please plan to gather for a short (45 minute) meeting. 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!
LCH Women’s Book Club
Monday, August 15, 10:00–11:30 am
We meet at the Murashige’s to discuss Delicious, Ruth Reichl’s first novel, which combines food and history. In September, the book is Caleb’s Crossing, by Geraldine Brooks. This story about the first Native American to graduate from Harvard is set in 17th Century Martha’s Vineyard.
One Pot, One Hope
Saturday, August 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 (August 21). See Peggy Anderson for more information, including volunteering and carpool.
Youth & Family Movie Night
Saturday, August 27, 6:00 pm
Let’s get together for hot dogs, popcorn, and a great family movie in the Nave! See the LCHNews for additional details as this event develops
Rally Sunday August 28
Sign up for fall Sunday school on Rally Sunday, August 28. Godly Play Sunday School will start again on September 4. Have a great summer!
Music Ministry Internship Available
The Lutheran Church of Honolulu is offering an internship for music majors enrolled in a qualifying degree program or individuals with a strong background in music. Our music ministry intern will have the opportunity to be involved in many aspects of music direction, performance, publicity, and event planning. Candidates are encouraged to audition for one of our musical ensembles, with the possibility of being selected as a paid section leader. If you know of a promising individual for this position, they may contact scott@LCHwelcome.org or visit www.lchwelcome.org/site/music-intern/. The deadline for applications in September 5.
Will You Help Count the Offering?
You don’t need to donate more, just help count the Sunday offerings! For 30 or so minutes after service, volunteer teams of two count the offerings. We need one new counter to join the team. Please contact Angie Niermann or the LCH office for information. Mahalo!
Food for Thought for September
No Food for Thought get-togethers have been scheduled for the summer months, but we are hoping to arrange a gathering for food and fellowship (no video) in September, most likely on September 3. Please stay tuned! Details to follow in the September HeartBeat.
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.
Congratulations Lindsey Bell!
Congratulations to LCH member Lindsey Bell on her swearing in ceremony upon entry into the Chaplain Candidacy program of the U.S. Navy. Lindsey was accepted to Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia as a Master of Divinity candidate. The MDiv program prepares persons seeking ordination in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. (That’s church talk for “she’s going to be a pastor.”) The four-year Master’s degree program is a rigorous course of study that includes a year long full-time internship, clinical pastoral education, and a teaching parish. While working on her seminary studies, she’ll also receive training that will enable her to eventually re-enter the military as a Navy Chaplain. The Chaplain Corps is in dire need of excellent candidates like Lindsey who come from mainline denominations and who are willing to minister to service members from all walks of life.
LCH is committed to supporting Lindsey both financially and spiritually. The Congregational Council has allotted $1,000 in seminarian support and will happily accept additional donations to assist in training the church’s future leaders. We will also keep Lindsey and all seminarians in our prayers in weekly worship.
Congratulations Lindsey!
Wet’n’Wild Photo
Members of the congregation joined the youth for an outing to Wet’n’Wild, on Sunday, July 31. Shown here, Raphael and his father bravely drop over the edge as Sophia and Iara climb the ladder for their turn.
| Offering Fund | Amount | Offering Fund | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Offering | $5,481 | Mission Campaign | $50 |
| Music Fund/Instruments | $200 | Wounded Warriors | $117 |
| Capital Improvements | $107 |
HeartBeat Deadline
Tuesday, August 16, 9:00 am
Denise, Geno, Irene, Irmgard, John, Keahi, Steve D., Swede
| Day | Date | Event and Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | August 2 | 2:30 pm, Holoholo pick-up |
| Thursday | August 4 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting |
| Sunday | August 7 | Angel Network In-Gathering 9:15 am, Summer Eucharist 9:45 am, “Called Forward Together in Christ” Congregational brunch gathering |
| Monday | August 8 | 6:00 pm, Worship & Music Meeting |
| Wednesday | August 10 | 12:30 pm, Finance Committee Meeting |
| Thursday | August 11 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study |
| Saturday | August 13 | 9:15 am, Joy of Christ IHS meal service 9:30 am, Process Thought Forum 6:00 pm, Mary Magdalene Society |
| Sunday | August 14 | 9:15 am, Summer Eucharist 10:30 am, Leadership Roundtable |
| Monday | August 15 | 10:00 am, LCH Women’s Book Club |
| Tuesday | August 16 | HeartBeat Submissions deadline 2:30 pm, Holoholo pick-up 6:30 pm, Council Meeting |
| Thursday | August 18 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study |
| Friday | August 19 | OFFICE CLOSED—Statehood Day |
| 1:00 pm, IHS Meals Prepared 5:30 pm, IHS Meals Served |
||
| Sunday | August 21 | 9:15 am, Summer Eucharist |
| Thursday | August 25 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting |
| Saturday | August 27 | 10:00 am, One Pot One Hope 6:00 pm, Youth & Family Movie Night |
| Sunday | August 28 | 9:15 am, Summer Eucharist |
| Tuesday | August 30 | 2:30 pm, Holoholo pick-up |