In this issue:
- A Message from Pastor Jeff
- Western States Youth Gathering
- Summer Schedules
- Committee/Interest Group Chairs
- In Stitches Goes to a Summer Schedule
- Angel Network In-Gathering
- Adult Forum: Making a Way—Liturgy for Care of the Earth
- Godly Play—Sunday School News
- Leadership Roundtable
- Office Closed— Independence Day
- Book of Faith Bible Study
- Process Forum
- Writers’ Workshop
- IHS Meals Prepared and Served
- Food for Thought
- Mary Magdalene Society
- One Pot, One Hope
- Rally Sunday
- LCH Youth, Families, and Young at Heart
- An Easy Way to Donate
- 500th Anniversary Plans Underway
- HeartBeat Deadline
- Electronic Funds Transfers for May
- Attendance and Offerings for June
- Prayer Requests
- July Birthdays
- LCH Worship Participants (9:15 am)
- Calendar: July 2017
A Message from Pastor Jeff
The Youth Retreat Experience
During the first weekend of the month, Dylan, Hunter, Nathalie, and I will leave for the Western States Youth Gathering at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, California. The triennial event brings 600 ELCA youth from the West Coast together to laugh, pray, worship, and serve. They will have an immersion experience in LA, hear some great music at the keynote gatherings, eat food they are unfamiliar with, and hear what God is up to in other places and in the lives of young people who are just like and very different from them. In some ways, it is remarkable in our litigious and over-busy world that we still find the energy and will to do big youth gatherings. It is a monumentally expensive undertaking, both monetarily and in terms of person hours. And it is worth every penny and every effort!
Many of us who grew up attending youth events remember what an incredible—and sometimes life-changing—experience it can be. I attended my first National Youth Gathering in New Orleans when I was about 13. Over 30,000 Lutheran youth descended on that city like locusts. In the evenings, as we departed the Super Dome, the streets were literally filled with young people dancing, laughing, singing, and talking. Despite two days on a bus to get there from Phoenix and two days on a bus going home (with an over flowing bathroom), I couldn’t wait to go again.
It was more than the great bands, the cool entertainment areas, or the inspirational speaker (honestly, I don’t remember the speakers). I remember walking into the Super Dome and being awed by the sheer number of Lutheran young people from around the world, all gathered in one place. In many ways, the experience was life changing.
First, I found out that for some youth, church was just as cool as football. Second, I found out I had far more in common with young people from around the world than I thought. A lot of that commonality was rooted in our common faith. Third, I found out that adults will go to incredible lengths for youth. Our pastor and other adult sponsors took more than a week off of work, helped for months with fundraising, cared about each one of us, and made sure we were safe. It turned out they were not the enemy after all. Finally, I saw, I think for the first time, that God’s Spirit is alive and working in the world in ways I could never have imagined. That’s pretty cool for a 13-year-old.
I don’t have any idea if our youth will experience any of these things next week, but I hope they will. Perhaps they too will discover something in themselves that they did not know or see something in another young person that inspires them to greater faith. What I do know is that I am glad they are part of a congregation willing to support them in this quest. Ministry with our youngest folks is crucial and I hope we can once again enhance our youth ministry to be more robust over the next year or so.
Amazingly, Western States Youth Gathering 2017 will be quickly followed by the ELCA National Youth Gathering in Houston, Texas, in July 2018. We are already getting ready to register. Who knows what God will have in store for us there! Thanks for your support of our youth.
Peace,
Pastor Jeff
Western States Youth Gathering
California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, CA • June 28–July 2
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.
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 |
| 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.
In Stitches Goes to a Summer Schedule
During the summer In Stitches, the LCH craft group, meets 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!
Angel Network In-Gathering
Sunday, July 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.
Adult Forum: Making a Way—Liturgy for Care of the Earth
Sundays, July 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30 10:30 am • LCH Boardroom
Come participate in the discussion and revision of LCH’s very own liturgy, designed around care and concern for our environment. Sundays through the month of July, Adult Forum concentrates efforts on revising Making a Way—Liturgy for Care of the Earth to create a liturgy guide that reaches the hearts and minds of all who participate in the worship. Bring your coffee and refreshments and join the discussion.
Godly Play—Sunday School News
During the summer, 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, July 2, 10:30 am • Isenberg Hall
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!
LCH Office Closed
Independence Day—Tuesday, July 4
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!
Process Forum
Saturday, June 10, 9:30 am • LCH Boardroom
A first-time event, Process Forum meets during the summer months! Please join us for review and discussion of an article by Paul Ingram (Professor of Religion, retired, Pacific Lutheran University) entitled “Following the Jesus Way.” Professor Ingram examines the life to which we are called—a life exemplified by that of the historical Jesus, contrary to the conventional wisdom and systems of our time. We’ve already received our “reward” for this: God’s free gift of love, grace, compassion, and justice. All are welcome to this lively group. Find the article on the Jesus, Jazz, and Buddhism website.
LCH Women’s Book Club
Monday, July 17, 10:00–11:30 am
We’re meeting at the Murashige’s to discuss Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear. An updated book list and the consecutive meetings will be announced as soon as information is available. All are welcome.
Writers’ Workshop
Writers’ Workshop takes a brief hiatus for the summer. The group meets again starting August 21, at 4:30 pm in the LCH Boardroom. For more information contact the LCH office at 808-941-2566.
IHS Meals Prepared and Served
Friday, July 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
Food for Thought takes a break for July. The next meeting takes place August 19. Check the LCH Calendar, HeartBeat, and LCHNews for information.
Mary Magdalene Society
Saturday, July 22 • LCH 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.
On this special day, we celebrate the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene! Games and or videos are 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.
One Pot, One Hope
Saturday, July 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. See Peggy Anderson for more information, including volunteering and carpool.
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!
LCH Youth, Families, and Young at Heart
…save the date!
Sunday, August 27, join us after the service for a fun filled day at Wet ‘n’ Wild! Those who attended last year had a blast, so come and get wild with us.
More information coming soon!
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.
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 | $5,333 | Capital Improvements | $107 |
| Music Fund/Instruments | $210 | Wounded Warriors | $117 |
| Shallow Subsidy | $50 |
HeartBeat Deadline
Tuesday, July 18, 9:00 am
Amanda, Aurora, the Connor family, Foua, Karen, Kat,
Keahi Y., Kim K., Kirsten, Lee M., Mark S., Mary L., Micki S.,
Sara, Shirley, Swede, Teresa B.
| Day | Date | Event and Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday | July 2 | Western States Youth Gathering in California Angel Network In-Gathering 9:15 am, Summer Holy Communion 10:30 am, Leadership Roundtable 10:30 am, Adult Forum 6:30 pm, Student Horn Recital |
| Tuesday | July 4 | OFFICE CLOSED—Independence Day |
| Thursday | July 6 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting |
| Sunday | July 9 | 9:15 am, Summer Holy Communion 10:30 am, Adult Forum |
| Monday | July 10 | 6:00 pm, Worship and Music Meeting |
| Wednesday | July 12 | 12:30 pm, Finance Committee Meeting |
| Thursday | July 13 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study |
| Saturday | July 15 | 7:00 pm, Nã Wai Choral Performance |
| Sunday | July 16 | 9:15 am, Summer Holy Communion 10:30 am, Adult Forum |
| Tuesday | July 18 | HeartBeat Submissions Deadline! 6:30 pm, LCH Council Meeting |
| Thursday | July 20 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting |
| Friday | July 21 | 1:00 pm, IHS Meals prepared 5:30 pm, IHS Meals served |
| Saturday | July 22 | 6:00 pm, Mary Magdalene Society |
| Sunday | July 23 | 9:15 am, Summer Holy Communion 10:30 am, Adult Forum |
| Thursday | July 27 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting |
| Saturday | July 29 | 10:00 am, One Pot One Hope |
| Sunday | July 30 | 9:15 am, Summer Holy Communion 10:30 am, Adult Forum |