In this issue:
- A Message from Pastor Jeff
- Give Aloha Returns September 1!
- Regular Worship Schedule Resumes Sunday, September 3!
- No In Stitches, but Consider K2, P2
- Committee/Interest Group Chairs
- Angel Network In-Gathering
- Nursery Hours September through May
- Godly Play—Sunday School News
- Leadership Roundtable
- Compline
- Labor Lite, Improve Our Site!
- LCH Office Closed—Labor Day
- Book of Faith Bible Study
- Confirmation Preparation Classes
- Process Forum
- Holoholo Pick-Up Resumes
- IHS Meals Prepared and Served
- LCH Women’s Book Club
- Writers’ Workshop
- Food for Thought
- One Pot, One Hope
- Mary Magdalene Society
- Homestays for Visiting Musicians
- An Easy Way to Donate
- LutherFest! Save the Date
- 500th Anniversary Plans
- HeartBeat Deadline
- Electronic Funds Transfers for July
- Attendance and Offerings for August
- Prayer Requests
- September Birthdays
- LCH Worship Participants (8:00 am)
- LCH Worship Participants (10:30 am)
- Calendar: September 2017
A Message from Pastor Jeff
500 Years of Grace: Luther’s University Years
Having received an exceptional education in Latin and the classics during his years in Eisenach, Martin Luther received encouragement from his teachers to continue his university studies. Although his father’s business was not yet at a point of great profitability, Hans Luder sent his son to study at the University of Erfurt. Certainly, Hans must have wanted his son’s exceptional intellect to grow and bear fruit, but as a practical matter, a degree from a university would surely open up new opportunities for this son of a peasant, turned miner. If Martin was successful in his studies, he might land a position that would assure income adequate to support both himself and his parents in their old age.
Erfurt in the 1500s must have been quite an inspiring site for young Luther. Coined “the city of spires” and “little Rome,” the hilled city with it massive cathedral must have seemed like another world to him. The church of Saint Mary, the massive cathedral, whose origins date back to a church built on that site in 742, dominates the landscape. Adjoining the cathedral is the relatively modern—12th Century—Church of Saint Severus.
Even today, these two imposing churches witness to the power of religion, the church, and the spirituality of Luther’s day. One must climb up a hill to the church, where one is met by yet more stairs which must be conquered in order to finally gain the front door. Dwarfed by huge arches and massive doors, it is clear that, as Luther would say on his deathbed, “we are nothing but worms.” Inside, the splendor and magnificence of God is richly displayed in sweeping architecture and intricate stone work. God is surely in charge in this place, and a visitor little more than a speck.
Down the hill, near the center of the city, lies the University of Erfurt. Here Martin would begin the next phase of his education. Erfurt’s website says this about Luther:
It sounded like a confession when Luther said in 1513: “The University of Erfurt is the mother to whom I owe everything.” Granted its charter in 1379, Erfurt University is the oldest in modern-day Germany. When Luther came to Erfurt in 1501 to study, the population had swelled to 19,000 inhabitants. Thanks to its many churches and abbeys the city became known as the Thuringian Rome. Luther spent ten years of his life here.
University life for Luther was far different from what students experience today. James Kittleson, in his book Luther the Reformer, describes it this way:
[In] the late Middle Ages a university was even less about its buildings than a true university today. The buildings were no more than necessary structures to house “company of masters and scholars.” When Luther arrived, he was inscribed in the great matriculation book as “Martinus Luder de Mansfield,” and like all students, assigned to a bursa, where for the first few years he would eat, sleep, and carry on his studies under the supervision of the master of the house (p.44).
Luther thrived within this highly disciplined and regulated environment of learning. Talented at language and quick of mind and spirit, he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in the minimum allowed time of one year. He would complete his Master’s Degree with equal speed, and passed his exams in January 1505.
In university, Luther would have studied subjects from each of the four great schools of learning that dominated university life. The Arts prepared students for further study in the great faculties of Law, Medicine, and Theology. (To this day, if you visit Oxford University in England, you will see these faculties inscribed above the entrance doors to each of the schools in the quad.) Having completed his Master of Arts, Luther set his eyes on one of the professional schools. His father Hans wanted him to begin his studies of law and become a lawyer. But life for Martin would take a turn in a different direction, that neither he nor his father had necessarily anticipated.
Next time: “Help me St. Anne, I will become a monk”
Give Aloha Returns September 1!
LCH Org Code: 78224
We are registered again this year to participate in the Give Aloha Program sponsored by Foodland/Western Union. During the month of September, donations to Give Aloha will be accepted, up to $249, at any Foodland or Sack ’n’ Save. Don’t forget your Maika‘i card and use the LCH Organization Code (78224) at the time of your donation. Foodland and Western Union will match every gift received up to $300,000 for all combined participating organizations.
Regular Worship Schedule Resumes Sunday, September 3!
8:00 am • Holy Communion
10:30 am • Choral Eucharist
7:30 pm • Compline (First and third Sundays)
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 |
No In Stitches, but Consider K2, P2
In Stitches is not currently meeting, but if you are interested in joining a knitting group there is one available at St. Peter’s Episcopal church. It is called K2, P2—meaning Knit 2, Pray too. They knit and crochet items to send to the mainland. They just blessed and sent off a load of hats, scarfs, and blankets to Seamen’s Church Institute and to an Indian reservation. Contact Linda Miller or stpetershonolulu.org for more information.
Angel Network In-Gathering
Sunday, September 3
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.
Nursery Hours September through May
Beginning Sunday, September 3
Nursery hours return to the regular worship schedule in September. The nursery is available for children ages 0–5 (run by professional nursery teachers) from 7:45 am to 12:00 noon. We welcome children of all ages in worship, but if your young child needs a rest during the busy morning, we welcome you to take advantage of this space. The nursery entrance is located across the courtyard.
Godly Play—Sunday School News
Sunday Mornings 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 stories for September:
- September 3—The Holy Bible and the Circle of the Church Year
- September 10—The Falling Apart
- September 17—The Flood and the Ark
- September 24—The Great Family
Leadership Roundtable
Sunday, September 3, 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!
Compline
Sunday, September 3, 7:30 pm
Join us on the first and third Sunday of each month for Compline, led a cappella by the LCH Men’s Schola. This is a peaceful experience of rejuvenation and prayer.
Labor Lite, Improve Our Site!
Labor Day Monday, September 4, 9:30 am
Come spend some time beautifying our campus with special emphasis on the “plot”—the small area adjacent to the walk into the Hörmann Courtyard from the parking lot. We’ll move a little earth, build a little terrace, and finish landscaping. We hope you can join us for a morning of light physical work and fellowship.
LCH Office Closed
Labor Day—Monday, September 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!
Confirmation Preparation Classes
Beginning Thursday, September 20, 6:15 pm • LCH 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.
For more information, please contact Pastor Jeff.
Process Forum
Saturday, September 9, 9:30–11:00 am • LCH Boardroom
Jay McDaniel writes, “Most of us are mystics. We may or may not have particular mystical experiences, but we have mystical sensibilities. These are feelings and intuitions we have, beyond words, of something real and important. In these feelings, we experience awe and wonder. We know that there is more to life than meets the clinical eye or the bifurcating intellect. As these feelings unfold, there is a dropping away of the private ego and awakening into something deeper and wider. We no longer feel trapped by boundaries of our own making.”
Process Philosophy offers a way of interpreting and appreciating eight mystical sensibilities. With McDaniel as our guide, we will begin to explore these heightened states. Find his introduction, “Process and Mysticism: Eight Mystical Sensibilities,” on the Jesus, Jazz, and Buddhism website.
All are welcome to participate in this forum; prior mystical experience not required!
Holoholo Pick-Up Resumes
Tuesdays, September 12 & 26, 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.
IHS Meals Prepared and Served
Friday, September 15, 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.
LCH Women’s Book Club
Monday, September 18, 10:00 am
We’re meeting at the Murashige’s to discuss The Doomsday Book by Connie Willis. Linda Miller will lead the discussion. Our next meeting will be Monday, October 16, when we will review The Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance. Audrey Keller leads the discussion. All are welcome.
Writers’ Workshop
Monday, September 18, 4:30 pm
Writers’ Workshop will meet in the LCH Boardroom. Meetings are also planned for October 16 and November 13, with a possible date in December. For more information contact the LCH office at 808-941-2566.
Food for Thought
Saturday, September 23, 5:30–8:30 pm
The next meeting of Food for Thought has been scheduled to take place at the home of David Hormann. All are welcome for potluck supper, video, and discussion. A further get-together is planned for December 2. Check the LCH calendar, HeartBeat, and LCHNews for information or call the LCH office at 808-941-2566.
One Pot, One Hope
Saturday, September 30 • 9:30 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, September 30 • Roy Helm’s home
LGBTQI and friends, please join our potluck supper and game night at the home of Roy Helms in Foster Village. Roy will a map available at church for those who need it. Supper begins at 6:00 pm with games or video to follow. Please bring a food item to share.
Our theme for the month will be rememberances of Michael Burnett on this day after September 29, the Feast of Michael and All Angels. Michael, long-time LCH member and church leader, died in 2016.
For more information, contact see Roy at church or email Jim Cartwright 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. Please note, there is no Mary Magdalene scheduled for October, since it is such a busy month.
Homestays for Visiting Musicians
As part of our observance for the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation, LCH, with the support of Paul Schwind and other donors, has contracted ¡Sacabuche! to perform with our choir in a pair of concerts. This wonderful ensemble will feature four early brass players and a renowned Baroque violinist. In preparation for their arrival we are looking for homestay hosts to house members of the group from Thursday, October 19, through Monday, October 23 (four nights). Please contact our director of music and liturgy, Scott Fikse, if you are able to house someone or if you have questions: scott@LCHwelcome.org.
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.
LutherFest! Save the Date
Saturday, October 28 • Hörmann Courtyard
Pupu hour will begin at 5:30, followed by dinner at 6:00 pm. Please mark your calendars and stand by for updates.
500th Anniversary Plans
In the late days of October 1517, Martinus Luther, an Augustinian Monk teaching in Wittenberg, Germany, posted 95 theses he hoped would be debated by scholars. Those questions coupled with social, economic, and religious unrest, gave birth to a revolution we call “the Reformation.” October 29, 2017, marks the 500th anniversary of the birth of the reformation that would trigger profound changes in the European world.
Communities around the world are observing this important historical and religious anniversary, and Hawai‘i is no exception. Our observance will begin with an ecumenical and interfaith service held at the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Honolulu on Saturday, October 14. Dr. David Lose, scholar, past seminary president, and respected biblical commentator, will deliver the sermon for the day. On October 15, he will offer a lecture to the public, and on the 16th and 17th he’ll deliver two more lectures to the public and rostered persons.
The second major event involves reformation concerts on October 21 and 22, hosted by Lutheran Church of Honolulu. Period instruments and combined choirs will highlight the evening with music that has inspired generations.
The third event is LCH’s annual LutherFest. Held each October on the Saturday before Reformation Sunday, October 28 this year, LutherFest is a time of celebration, food, and fellowship in the LCH courtyard. Once again, there will be authentic bratwurst, but the treat of the evening is all the wonderful potluck dishes brought by all who come. Please be sure to mark your calendars and bring your friends. We hope to make this LutherFest one to remember!
On Reformation Sunday, October 29, the LCH community will gather for a festive and beautiful worship on the occasion of this 500th anniversary. We will have one service that Sunday with worship at 9:30 am only.
To prepare for our celebrations, Adult Forum will concentrate on Reformation topics each week leading up to Reformation Sunday. Join us in the LCH Boardroom at 9:15 am on Sundays, between services, for this wonderful educational opportunity.
- Saturday, October 14: 3:00 pm, Ecumenical and Interfaith Worship at the Cathedral of St. Andrew
- Sunday, October 15: 2:00–4:00 pm, Tenney Theater at the Cathedral, lecture by Dr. David Lose, courtesy of the Margaret “Peggy” Kai Memorial Fund
- Monday/Tuesday, October 16/17: 9:00 am–3:00 pm, Christ Church Uniting, Kailua, lectures by Dr David Lose, $25 for two days
- Saturday/Sunday, October 21, 7:30 pm/October 22, 5:30 pm: Reformation 500 concerts at LCH
- Saturday, October 28: 5:30 pm, LCH annual LutherFest
- Sunday, October 29: 9:30 am, LCH Festival Reformation Service
| Offering Fund | Amount | Offering Fund | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Offering | $5,110 | Capital Improvements | $107 |
| Music Fund/Instruments | $210 | Wounded Warriors | $117 |
| Shallow Subsidy | $60 |
HeartBeat Deadline
Tuesday, September 19, 9:00 am
Amanda, the Connor family, Dot, Foua, Jennifer, Karen, Kat,
Keahi Y., Kim K., Kim V., Kirsten, Lee M., Mark S., Micki S.,
Sara, Shirley, Swede, Vonia
| Day | Date | Event and Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday | September 3 | Angel Network In-Gathering 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 11:45 am, Leadership Roundtable 7:30 pm, Compline |
| Monday | September 4 | Labor Day—LCH Office Closed 6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal |
| Thursday | September 7 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal |
| Saturday | September 9 | 9:30 am, Process Thought Forum |
| Sunday | September 10 | 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist |
| Monday | September 11 | 6:00 pm, Worship & Music Meeting |
| Tuesday | September 12 | 2:30 pm, Holoholo pick-up |
| Wednesday | September 13 | 12:30 pm, Finance Committee Meeting |
| Thursday | September 14 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal |
| Friday | September 15 | 1:00 pm, IHS Meals prepared 5:30 pm, IHS Meals served |
| Saturday | September 16 | 7:30 pm, Early Music Hawaii Concert |
| Sunday | September 17 | 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 7:30 pm, Compline |
| Monday | September 18 | 10:00 am, Women’s Book Club 4:30 pm, Writers’ Workshop 6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal |
| Tuesday | September 19 | HeartBeat Submissions Deadline 6:30 pm, Council Meeting |
| Thursday | September 20 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 6:15 pm, Confirmation Class 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal |
| Saturday | September 23 | 5:30 pm, Food for Thought |
| Sunday | September 24 | 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist |
| Monday | September 25 | 6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal |
| Tuesday | September 26 | 2:30 pm, Holoholo pick-up |
| Thursday | September 28 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 6:15 pm, Confirmation Class 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal |
| Saturday | September 30 | 9:30 am, One Pot One Hope 6:00 pm, Mary Magdalene Society |