In this issue:
- A Message from Pastor Jeff
- Summer Schedules
- Committee/Interest Group Chairs
- Book of Faith Bible Study
- Angel Network In-Gathering
- In Stitches Goes to a Summer Schedule
- Youth and Family Activities Brainstorm Session
- Godly Play—Sunday School News
- Leadership Roundtable
- Process Forum
- Office Closed—Kamehameha Day
- Holoholo Pick-Up
- Poetry as Pentecost—The Gift of Tongues
- Writers’ Workshop
- IHS Meals Prepared and Served
- Food for Thought
- LCH Women’s Book Club
- One Pot, One Hope
- Mary Magdalene Society
- Western States Youth Gathering
- Bible Presentation to Sunday School Student
- 500th Anniversary Plans Underway
- HeartBeat Deadline
- Electronic Funds Transfers for April
- Attendance and Offerings for May
- Prayer Requests
- June Birthdays
- LCH Worship Participants (9:15 am)
- Calendar: June 2017
A Message from Pastor Jeff
Church Together
In the afternoon of Thursday, May 11, Linda Miller, Jim Cartwright, Phyllis Hörmann, and I gathered together with a few hundred fellow Lutherans at the Pacifica Synod Assembly to pray, worship, share stories of ministry, and learn more about what God has in store for us as God’s mission church. As I sat among the gathered people I was once again struck at how valuable it is to be the church together. In a time when economic, political, and social forces seem bent on dragging people and families apart, the church’s long commitment to community, cooperation, and interdependence is increasingly important.
When we gather together in Christian love, we remind the world around us that individualism, economic segregation, racial and gender inequality, and mutual disdain are not the only models possible for our community or our world. In coming together, we share one another’s breath, sorrows, joys, concerns, hopes, and cares. In coming together, we share resources, ideas, solutions, encouragement, and even challenges. In coming together, we find common connections, relationships, and mission to address the world’s greatest woes and needs.
Of course, coming together in an increasingly individualistic world is becoming more difficult. Personal choice, one of American society’s most dearly held values, has become the watchword, even in church communities. Where once we assumed that congregations would naturally join together for ministry and mutual support, now congregations gravitate toward “doing our own thing.” In the past, financial support for the greater mission of the church through the synod and national church was assumed and considered a matter of pride. Today, the financial pressures of decreasing congregational income and increased expenses, coupled with the impulse to keep more resources “local,” has resulted in shrinking resources to truly do ministry together. It seems it is impossible to insist on our own way and still serve the greater mission of the church
It is interesting, then, that as we gather for the Synod Assembly much of the conversation is centered around our common experience and mission as God’s church. Bishop Guy Irwin, in his keynote address about Martin Luther, reminded us that our faith is a journey we travel together rooted in our Baptism for the sake of our neighbor. Together with all of God’s people around the world, we share the joy of our baptismal calling in a common journey of prayer, worship, and service in a world aching to receive grace and joy. Our togetherness celebrates the diversity of passions, interests, and ideas that come with mutual listening, support, and a predisposition to not insist on our own way. In our togetherness, we free ourselves to respond to those who need us most, even when we are not sure who that might be.
As we discern what God is up to in our ministry at LCH, we may do well to look more carefully at what God is up to in our neighbors. Other congregations, ministries, organizations, and individuals bring a deeply important perspective that will sharpen and deepen our sensitivity for ministry and help guide us toward a faithful and authentic response to what God is doing in the world. Perhaps in being even more interested we will find ourselves transformed for ministry in new and exciting ways. For, ministry together is ministry in Christ.
Pastor Jeff
Committee/Interest Group Chairs
| Committee/Group | Leader |
|---|---|
| Archive: | Jim Cartwright |
| Concert: | Scott Fikse |
| Communications: | Carol Langner |
| Community Life: | Larry Anderson & Wayne Gau |
| Council: | Craig Clissold |
| Exploring Boundaries: | Carol Langner |
| Fellowship: | Jeanne Castello & Mary-Jo Estes |
| Finance: | Steve Miller |
| Financial Review: | Dori Palcovich |
| Food for Thought: | Kathryn Klingebiel |
| In Stitches: | Linda Miller & Stephanie Luuloa |
| Lay Ministers: | Carolyn Koehler |
| Learning Ministry: | Fred Benco |
| Mary Magdalene Society: | James Cartwright |
| Process Theology: | Fritz Fritschel & Carol Langner |
| Property: | Jean-Paul Klingebiel & Greg Gebhardt |
| Scholarship: | Fred Benco |
| Social Ministry: | Jean Lilley |
| Stewardship: | Pam Buckley |
| Sunday School: | Laurie Leach |
| Worship & Music: | Roy Helms & Randy Castello |
| Writers’ Workshop: | Kathryn Klingebiel |
| Youth: | Pr. Jeff Lilley |
Summer Schedules
As June approaches, please keep in mind that we change our Sunday service time to the summer schedule for June, July, and August. There will be one worship service on Sundays, at 9:15 am. This is a communion service. There will be no Compline during the summer months. Compline resumes on the first Sunday of September.
Other programs, such as Confirmation classes, Food for Thought, Poetry Group, and Writers’ Workshop, may break for the summer as well. Check the LCH calendar on-line, or The HeartBeat and the weekly LCHNews calendars for scheduling 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!
Angel Network In-Gathering
Sunday, June 4
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.
In Stitches Goes to a Summer Schedule
During the summer In Stitches, the LCH craft group, will meet directly after worship at a table in the courtyard, instead of meeting on Saturdays. Bring a craft to work on, learn to make the ribbon lei we give to visitors, or just stop by for fellowship. See you at the craft table!
Youth and Family Activities Brainstorm Session
Sunday, June 4, 10:30 am • Rainbow Room
This brainstorm session is intended to gather ideas for summer and fall youth activities. How would you like to make a difference in the world? What fun ideas do you have? How can you help? Whether it’s beach clean up, footgolf, horseback riding, or another activity we’d like to hear from you!
Godly Play—Sunday School News
During the summer, starting on June 4, there is no Sunday school as LCH goes to a one worship service schedule. Sign up for next year’s Sunday school on Rally Sunday, August 27. Godly Play Sunday school will begin again on September 3, 2017. Have a great summer!
Leadership Roundtable
Sunday, June 4, 10:30 am • LCH Boardroom
Committee chairs and team leaders, please plan to gather for a short (45 minute) meeting. (Note the summer schedule time.) 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!
Process Forum
Saturday, June 10, 9:30 am • LCH Boardroom
Spurred by personal suffering and questions raised by his son’s diagnosis of autism, Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson spent many years wrestling with his scriptures and tradition, looking for answers to age-old questions. Artson’s understanding of God’s role in human suffering underwent a profound change. We will look at his journey and his new wisdom, which he shares in the article for the month “God Almighty? No Way! Coming to Know the God We Already Love,” found on the Jesus Jazz Buddhism website.
All are welcome to this session. Expect lively discussion and some wisdom for the challenges of everyday living.
LCH Office Closed
King Kamehameha Day—Monday, June 12
Poetry as Pentecost—The Gift of Tongues
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:4)
Often, inspiration can come to poets from unexpected and unnamable muses—perhaps one might even suspect that the Spirit is involved. Poets speak in their own voices, much as the disciples spoke in a variety of languages on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-31).
A quick Google search informs us that poems are literary works in which “special intensity is given to the expression of feelings and ideas by the use of distinctive style and rhythm.”
Like music, on first hearing/reading, poetry is not always immediately understood or appreciated. But there is always someone who grasps the meaning, much as those Pentecost listeners in Jerusalem heard the disciples’ varied utterances in their own languages. And with time, more and more people understood the message of Christ being told that day.
The poetry and short essays written by members and friends in the LCH Writers’ Workshop return to the Hormann Courtyard bulletin board for a few weeks reprise. These were first posted for the LCH Faith and Arts Sunday (February 26th), but due to the liturgical calendar, Ash Wednesday and Lent followed in the next week. Some additional exposure gives us all a chance to reread the poems. Perhaps you’d like to discover your own poetic voice—summer is a great time to take pencil to paper and let the muses lead you onward. Writers’ Workshop has a final Spring meeting on Monday, June 12th at 4:30 pm—all are welcome.
Writers’ Workshop
Monday, June 12, 4:30–6:00 pm • LCH Boardroom
Writers’ Workshop will meet in the LCH Boardroom. This is the final meeting for the program year. All are welcome! For information, please call the LCH office at 808-941-2566.
IHS Meals Prepared and Served
Friday, June 16, 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, June 17, 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.
LCH Women’s Book Club
Monday, June 19, 10:00 am
We’re meeting at the Murashige’s to discuss America’s First Daughter by Stephanie Dray. Subsequent meetings will be announced as soon as information is available. All are welcome.
One Pot, One Hope
Saturday, June 24, 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.
Mary Magdalene Society
Saturday, June 24 • at the Riingen-Russell Residence
LGBTQI and friends, please join our June potluck supper and social, which will be hosted by Rudy Riingen and Mark Russel at their home. Stay tuned for details on the time of celebration, parking instructions, and any items they may be asking us to bring beyond the usual potluck choices.
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. Thank you, Rudy and Mark!
LCH children gather as one of them receives her Bible, during worship
on May 7.
Western States Youth Gathering
California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, CA • June 28–July
This event only happens every two years in Southern California. What is it? Basically, it is an awesome trip our LCH youth take, together with the youth from Calvary by the Sea, to California to be with other Lutheran teens for loads of fun! Pastor Jeff will be attending this year’s gathering with three LCH teens. Please keep them all in your prayers for safe travel and for a Spirit filled time for everyone.
Rally Sunday
Sign up for fall Sunday school on Rally Sunday, August 27. Godly Play Sunday School will start again on September 3.
Have a great summer!
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 | $5,232 | Capital Improvements | $107 |
| Music Fund/Instruments | $210 | Wounded Warriors | $117 |
HeartBeat Deadline
Tuesday, June 20, 9:00 am
Amanda, Aurora, Diane, Karen, Keahi Y., Kim K., Kirsten, Lee M., Mark S., Micki S., Sara, Swede
| Day | Date | Event and Time |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday | June 1 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 6:30 pm, Musical Review, “Heart & Music” 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal |
| Sunday | June 4 | Day of Pentecost Angel Network In-Gathering 9:15 am, Summer Holy Communion 10:30 am, Leadership Roundtable |
| Monday | June 5 | 6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal |
| Thursday | June 8 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting |
| Saturday | June 10 | 9:30 am, Process Thought Forum |
| Sunday | June 11 | 9:15 am, Summer Holy Communion |
| Monday | June 12 | OFFICE CLOSED—King Kamehameha Day 4:30 pm, Writers’ Workshop 6:00 pm, Worship and Music Meeting 7:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal |
| Wednesday | June 14 | 12:30 pm, Finance Committee Meeting |
| Thursday | June 15 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 3:00 pm, Life Foundation Client Art Show |
| Friday | June 16 | 1:00 pm, IHS Meals prepared 5:30 pm, IHS Meals served |
| Saturday | June 17 | 5:30 pm, Food for Thought |
| Sunday | June 18 | Father’s Day 9:15 am, Summer Holy Communion |
| Monday | June 19 | 10:00 am, LCH Women’s Book Club 6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal |
| Tuesday | June 20 | HeartBeat Submissions Deadline! 6:30 pm, LCH Council Meeting |
| Thursday | June 22 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting |
| Saturday | June 24 | 10:00 am, One Pot One Hope 6:00 pm, Mary Magdalene Society |
| Sunday | June 25 | 9:15 am, Summer Holy Communion |
| Monday | June 26 | 6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal |
| Wednesday | June 28 | Western States Youth Gathering, through July 2 |
| Thursday | June 29 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study |