In this issue:
- A Message from Pastor Jeff
- Stewardship Corner
- Shall you sit in a pew? Shall you sit in a chair?
- Committee/Interest Group Chairs
- What’s Your Story?
- Easter Lilies
- In Stitches Meets Again!
- Angel Network In-Gathering
- Godly Play—Sunday School News
- Leadership Roundtable
- Poetry Group
- Women’s Compline
- Lenten Soup and Salad Suppers
- Book of Faith Bible Study
- Confirmation Preparation Classes
- Process Thought Forum—Process Poetry
- Holoholo Pick-Up
- 2017 AIDS Walk
- Easter Potluck Brunch
- Easter Egg Hunt
- Office Closed—Easter Monday
- LCH Women’s Book Club
- Writers’ Workshop
- IHS Meals Prepared and Served
- Food for Thought
- One Pot, One Hope
- Mary Magdalene Society
- An Easy Way to Donate
- Hope Jahren Wins National Book Critics Circle Award
- 500th Anniversary Plans Underway
- HeartBeat Deadline
- Electronic Funds Transfers for February
- Attendance and Offerings for March
- Prayer Requests
- April Birthdays
- LCH Worship Participants (8:00 am)
- LCH Worship Participants (10:30 am)
- LCH Worship Participants (Triduum)
- Calendar: April 2017
A Message from Pastor Jeff
Staying Behind
On Easter morning, Mary Magdalene goes to mourn at the garden tomb where Jesus is laid. Instead, she finds the tomb open. Afraid, she dashes back to the room where the disciples are and brings them to the tomb. Peter enters the tomb and sees that Jesus is no longer there. He returns home with the others, but Mary remains behind.
In remaining behind for those brief moments, Mary Magdalene encounters the risen Jesus. By remaining behind, it is Mary who tells Peter, John, Matthew, and the rest of disciples who had gone home, “I have seen the Lord!” It is Mary who shares the good news of the resurrection. It is Mary who brings news that death does not have the final victory. Jesus takes it from there.
In this Easter season, Mary’s experience may be one from which we can learn. I suspect, in these days of deteriorating interest in all things religious, Easter may have lost the luster it once had. For example, I did a search on our graphics service for “Religious Easter Graphics.” Fully 85% of the images searched were Easter bunnies and decorated eggs!
For much of the world, the empty tomb is just plain empty. The absence of Jesus’ body does not signal victory over death, but the irrelevance of the entire Christian enterprise. So why do we bother each year to put so much time and effort into sharing the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection in a world of Easter bunnies and chocolate eggs?
Perhaps we, like Mary, stay in this mourning garden out of love for the one who first loved us. Perhaps the church continues to stay with our suspected fruitless enterprise because our purpose is not wrapped in success or growth, or even moral perfection. When others have moved on, we stay behind to feed the poor, to love the loveless, and share our very being with those most in need in the world. As we stay a bit behind the world, and wait in the garden on Easter Vigil, we like Mary are found again by the risen Christ and renewed in faith and love. Maybe there is something valuable about staying behind and not rushing back to the familiar, the safe, or even the next greatest thing.
After hurricane Katrina, thousands of volunteers came from around the world to help. A Lutheran Disaster Relief worker told us that years later Lutherans are still in New Orleans. A resident was quoted as saying that even after everyone left, the Lutherans stayed behind. Maybe we learned something from Mary after all, and Jesus takes it from here.
Peace,
Pastor Jeff
LCH to Launch New Ministry: “Shallow Subsidy”
During the summer of 2016, LCH members engaged in three “Called Forward Together in Christ” meetings, designed to discern new paths for ministry. Among other concerns, providing more help for Honolulu’s housing crisis is a priority for many. The LCH Council continued the discussion for several months. Now, the Council is ready to suggest establishing a fund to enable LCH to support rental assistance for a family here in Honolulu.
Called a “shallow subsidy,” this program provides short-term financial assistance to help prevent a family-at-risk from losing their housing. In many cases, a few hundred dollars helps a family meet their monthly expenses, making the difference between a stable home or life on the street. We plan to partner with Family Promise, a faith-based organization focused on transitioning families into housing. An additional goal is ensuring that families retain their housing, which can be challenging with Honolulu’s high cost of living.
Family Promise began operating in Hawai‘i in 2006, and they have succeeded in getting 80% of their families into sustainable housing within three months. Participating families—parents and their children—are carefully screened. Eligibility requires that one or both parents must either be working, actively seeking work, or pursuing education or training for a career or work position. They must not use drugs or alcohol, engage in domestic abuse, or have an untreated mental illness. School-aged children must be enrolled in and attend school.
Over 50 churches on O‘ahu provide housing for these families. Each week, usually on Sunday, the families are moved to another church facility where they are housed for one week. Participating churches typically host the families for three or four weeks each year (more information at familypromisehawaii.org). During this housing process, case managers work with the families to arrange long-term, appropriate housing.
The goal of Family Promise and participating its churches is to assist families as they transition to permanent housing. This is where LCH comes in. Family Promise matches shallow subsidy donors with families needing longer-term financial support to sustain their placement in permanent housing units.
On Easter Sunday, April 16, we kick off our fund drive by asking for pledges the shallow subsidy fund. Our goal for LCH is $300 a month—$3600 for the year. This amounts to 30 pledges of $10 each month (or $120 a year), or combinations of other amounts. Consistency in giving is the most important aspect of your pledge. Donors may make a full-year payment or contribute monthly by check or cash, indicating “Shallow Subsidy” on the contribution envelope or check memo line.
Please consider making a monthly donation—any amount you’re comfortable with. LCH will commit to support a family through Shallow Subsidy for a year. Pledge forms will be available in our Sunday worship bulletins. Please return them by Pentecost Sunday, June 4. If pledges are especially generous, we may be able to help two families!
Expect updates as this new ministry unfolds.
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 |
Shall you sit in a pew? Shall you sit in a chair?
What manner of seating, do you really care?
After years of being rearranged, our beautiful pews are beginning to show their age and several have been removed due to structural damage. Pastor Jeff is putting together a small group of people to look at options for seating that will meet our worship needs for many years to come. We will look at possibilities ranging from repair or replacement of pews to new pew chairs, or other options. The group will make a recommendation to the Congregational Council who will then seek support, as required, from the congregation.
If you would like to join this working group, please contact the church office at 808-941-2566 or email lch@lchwelcome.org.
What’s Your Story?
Sharing stories of faith is an important and powerful spiritual exercise. Do you have a story to tell? You are invited to write a story to be shared on our community bulletin board.
- What is God up to in your life?
- How is God’s grace and hope bearing fruit for you and your community?
Every story will be posted, some will appear (with your permission) in The HeartBeat or e-News. Feeling particularly inspired? Once a month, beginning in March, we hope to have a member share their story during worship. Please submit stories to the LCH office or to Pastor Jeff.
Easter Lilies
Help transform the nave from Lent into Easter by donating money for an Easter lily to decorate the altar. Plants may be given in memory or honor of a loved one. Donation forms have been included in bulletins or may be picked up in the church office. Thank you!
In Stitches Meets Again!
Saturday, April 1, 9:00 am • LCH Rainbow Room
In Stitches, the LCH craft group, will meet the first Saturday of the April in the Rainbow Room. Bring your project, learn a craft, join in the fellowship. All are welcome.
Angel Network In-Gathering
Sunday, April 2
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.
Godly Play—Sunday School News
Sunday Mornings 9:15–10:20 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 April:
- April 2—Easter Egg Story
- April 9—The Faces of Easter V, VI, VII
- April 16—Change Paraments/Easter Egg Hunt
- April 23—The Good Shepherd and World Communion
- April 30—The Synagogue and the Upper Room
Leadership Roundtable
Sunday, April 2, 11:45 am • LCH Boardroom
Committee chairs and team leaders, 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!
Poetry Group
Sunday, April 2, 6:45 pm
Poetry group meets on the first Sunday of April prior to the Compline service, which begins at 7:30 pm.
Women’s Compline
Sunday, April 2, 7:30 pm
We welcome all people in all places of faith and life to this special Compline service. For the first time in recent years, a women’s schola leads this service of prayer and chant.
The choir sings two selections from Drei geistliche Chöre für Frauenstimmen by Brahms. Reverend Phyllis Hormann presides.
Lenten Soup and Salad Suppers
Wednesday, April 5, 6:00 pm • Isenberg Hall
Please join in the last gathering of fellowship and prayer of the Lenten season. Supper is served at 6:00 pm, prior to 7:00 pm Lenten Service. Our theme this year is, A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you, from Ezekiel 36:26.
A sign-up sheet is available in the courtyard for contributions to the meal and for help with set-up and clean-up. See Mary-Jo Estes or call the LCH office for more information.
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. Please come for lively engaging fellowship and discussion!
Confirmation Preparation Classes
Thursdays, April 6, 20, & 27 • 6:15 pm • Rainbow Room
Confirmation is a voluntary for youth, grades 6 and up, who would like to confirm their faith. At baptism we promise to “place in (your child’s) hands the Holy Scripture and provide for their education in the Christian Faith.” In confirmation class we study scripture, the Reformation, and Christian history, but we are more interested in helping young people develop as persons of faith.
Confirmation classes are held on Thursday evenings and include dinner. If you’re interested in participating in confirmation preparation, please contact Pastor Jeff.
Process Thought Forum—Process Poetry
Saturday, April 8, 9:30–11:00 am • LCH Boardroom
At the coming of spring our thoughts turn to poetry. Please join us for a good discussion and fellowship. All are welcome. We’ll read through some poems by Wendell Berry, a man whose simple life style has become an inspiration to all who seek ways to live softly and sustainably on the earth. Notes from an interview with Bill Moyers, along with an introduction by process theologian John Cobb, Jr., and three of Berry’s poems can all be found on the Jesus, Jazz, and Buddhism website.
Additionally, we will look at some of the poetry of Islamic poet, philosopher, and political leader Muhammad Iqbal (1877–1938), who was influenced by Whitehead. Iqbal wrote extensively in Urdu and Persian and some of his work has been translated. Some poems can be found at www.poemhunter.com/allama-muhammad-iqbal/.
Holoholo Pick-Up
Tuesdays, April 11 and 25, 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.
2017 AIDS Walk
Saturday April 15, 2017 9:00 am, Kapi‘olani Park Bandstand
Join the LCH AIDS Walk team as we support Life Foundation, the largest provider of services to persons living with HIV/AIDS in Hawai‘i! Each year, our congregation gathers a team to raise funds and fun for the AIDS walk. The 5k-walk around Kapi‘olani Park is an easy stroll with water and rest stations along the way. There will be music, dancing, vendors, prizes, costumes, and craziness to support this very serious need in our community. Life Foundation helps where others will not. In addition to working with local clients, they are a source of information and training for AIDS organizations throughout the Pacific.
How can you help? Join our team online at www.honoluluaidswalk.com and click on “Register to Walk.” Choose Lutheran Church of Honolulu as your team. You may also sign up in the LCH courtyard between Sunday services. Then, ask your friends to sponsor you for the walk. Our team goal this year is to raise $2,500 for the Life Foundation!
Easter Sunday Potluck Brunch
Sunday, April 16, 9:15 am, between services
Join in the fun of fellowship and food! Bring your favorite breakfast casserole, breads, fruit, or another festive dish to share with everyone. Ham and beverages will be provided. We welcome any help setting up tables/chairs before the 8:00 am service, setting up the food before 9:15 am, and cleaning up afterwards. Please see the sign up sheet in the Hörmann Courtyard if you are able to volunteer.
Easter Egg Hunt
Sunday, April 16, 9:20 am, between services
The Sunday school will have an egg hunt between services for children Grade 5 and younger. (The older children get to hide the eggs!) We will have a puppet show in the Godly Play room at 9:20 am for the egg hunters while the eggs are being hidden. Bring a basket if you have one, but there will be extra baskets available.
LCH Office Closed
Easter Monday—April 17
LCH Women’s Book Club
Monday, April 17, 10:00 am
Our group meets at the Murashige’s to discuss The Soul of An Octopus by Sy Montgomery. At our next meeting, on May 15, we’ll discuss Born a Crime by Trevor Noah. All are welcome!
Writers’ Workshop
Monday, April 17, 4:30–6:00 pm • LCH Boardroom
Writers’ Workshop meets in the LCH Boardroom. Consecutive meetings are planned for May 15 and June 12. All are welcome! For information, please call the LCH office at 808-941-2566.
IHS Meals Prepared and Served
Friday, April 21, 1:30 pm prep/5:30 pm serve
For over 25 years, LCH has shopped for, prepared, and served a special dinner on the third Friday of each month for over 300 of Honolulu’s homeless. The cost is underwritten by the LCH budget and by a grant from the German Benevolent Society of Hawai‘i. Shoppers, cooks, and servers are needed each month. To learn more about the Institute for Human Services, visit their website at www.ihshawaii.org. Contact the LCH office or speak to Jimmy Castro for more information.
Food for Thought
Saturday, April 22, 5:30–8:00 pm
The next gathering of Food for Thought has been scheduled to meet at the home of David Hormann. All are welcome for potluck supper, video, and discussion. For location details and other information, please call the LCH office at 808-941-2566.
One Pot, One Hope
Saturday, April 29, 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 (April 16). See Peggy Anderson for more information, including volunteering and carpool.
Mary Magdalene Society
Saturday, April 29, 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.
For April we will share memories of the Easter season from years past. Games and or videos are also welcome for after-dinner entertainment. If you are bringing a video, please let Jim Cartwright 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.
An Easy Way to Donate
Did you know you can donate to Lutheran Church of Honolulu while shopping without spending any extra money? Shop at smile.amazon.com and increase donations to Lutheran Church of Honolulu! Any Amazon purchase can be made through LCH’s unique charity-link, which will take you directly to smile.amazon.com in support of LCH. Just type this URL in your browser and start shopping: smile.amazon.com/ch/99-0079975.
Hope Jahren Wins National Book Critics Circle Award
Hope Jahren won the 2016 National Book Critics Circle Award for autogiography for her book Lab Girl! Michele Filgate, VP/Awards for the National Book Critics Circle and a contributing editor at Literary Hub, describes Hope’s work:
Jahren interweaves her own narrative with beautiful meditations on botany, showing how plants aren’t that different from human beings.
“It takes a long time to turn into what you’re supposed to be,” Jahren says to her son toward the end of the book. Lab Girl is about that beautiful, flawed journey from seed to tree.
For the full review, visit bookcritics.org/blog/archive/national-book-critics-circle-announces-winners-for-2016-awards.
500th Anniversary Plans Underway
A 500th Anniversary Ecumenical service is in the works for this very special celebration year. The event will be held on Saturday, October 14, at the Cathedral of St. Andrew. The joyful service will be concelebrated and acclaimed by combined choirs.
Other events, including a very special LutherFest, are being planned for this year. Stay tuned for updates and calendar scheduling.
| Offering Fund | Amount | Offering Fund | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Offering | $5,111 | Capital Improvements | $107 |
| Music Fund/Instruments | $170 | Wounded Warriors | $117 |
HeartBeat Deadline
Tuesday, April 18, 9:00 am
Amanda, Diane, Irene, Jeff S., Johnny, Jonathan, Karen, Kathe, Kirsten, Lee M., Leilani, Sara, Swede
| Day | Date | Event and Time |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday | April 1 | 9:00 am, In Stitches |
| Sunday | April 2 | Angel Network In-Gathering 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:15 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 11:45 am, Leadership Roundtable 6:45 pm, Poetry Group 7:30 pm, Women’s Compline |
| Monday | April 3 | 6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal |
| Wednesday | April 5 | 6:00 pm, Lenten Soup and Salad Supper 7:00 pm, Lenten Service |
| Thursday | April 6 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 6:30 pm, Confirmation Class 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal |
| Saturday | April 8 | 9:30 am, Process Thought Forum |
| Sunday | April 9 | Palm Sunday 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:15 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist |
| Monday | April 10 | 6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal 6:00 pm, Worship & Music Meeting 7:00 pm, Holy Week Rehearsal |
| Tuesday | April 11 | 2:00 pm, Holoholo pick-up |
| Wednesday | April 12 | 12:30 pm, Finance Committee Meeting |
| Thursday | April 13 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:30 pm, Maundy Thursday Worship |
| Friday | April 14 | 3:30 pm, Easter Brass Rehearsal 7:30 pm, Good Friday Worship |
| Saturday | April 15 | 9:00 am, AIDs Walk 7:30 pm, Easter Vigil Service |
| Sunday | April 16 | Easter Sunday 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:15 am, Easter Brunch 9:20 am, Children’s Easter Egg Hunt 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 7:30 pm, Compline Service |
| Monday | April 17 | Easter Monday—LCH Office Closed 10:00 am, LCH Women’s Book Club 4:30 pm, Writers’ Workshop 6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal |
| Tuesday | April 18 | HeartBeat Submissions Deadline 6:30 pm, LCH Council Meeting |
| Thursday | April 20 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 6:30 pm, Confirmation Class 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal |
| Friday | April 21 | 1:00 pm, IHS Meals prepared 5:30 pm, IHS Meals served |
| Saturday | April 22 | 5:30 pm, Food for Thought |
| Sunday | April 23 | 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:15 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist |
| Monday | April 24 | 6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal |
| Tuesday | April 25 | 2:00 pm, Holoholo pick-up |
| Thursday | April 27 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 6:30 pm, Confirmation Class 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal |
| Saturday | April 29 | 10:00 am, One Pot One Hope |
| Sunday | April 30 | 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:15 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist |