HeartBeat—February 2018

From Pastor Jeff

This is Not a Drill…

Like many of you, Jean and I were going about our daily business when a missile attack warning came over my phone. We were walking the dog at Ala Wai Harbor, so I glanced up from my phone toward the airbase. There were no fighter jets scrambling, several commercial flights took off from the airport, and the emergency sirens did not ring. We were not sure, but it seemed likely it was a mistake. Across the harbor, we witnessed several families scrambling into their vehicles and high-tailing it out of the harbor. Several boats headed directly out to sea. A couple of tourists were running down the sidewalk and called out, “Did you get the alert? We are headed to the hotel.” We texted our friend John, to see if there was any confirmation on the television—there was not—and then headed back to finish our coffee with friends. Before any local outlet reported the false alarm, our daughter texted us from London that the BBC had reported the warning was mistakenly activated. Sheesh!

Over the next few days, news outlets circulated reports of widespread panic. The video of some fellow stuffing his kids into a manhole and others in tears gave witness to how serious, or at least potentially serious, this event was. Serious shortcomings in the emergency-warning system surfaced, along with politicians’ demands for answers. But few seemed interested in the deeper, and I think more pressing question: How is it that we find ourselves in the position that a nuclear missile launch is a real possibility?

What many seem unwilling to address is that, over the course of many decades, the U.S. and other nations have continued to build up nuclear weapons in a kind of crazy strategy of power. Not surprisingly, non-nuclear nations increasingly want to share in that same mad power. Equally unsurprising, these new nuclear nations are not impressed when nuclear superpowers demand that other nations refrain from developing nuclear weapons while at the same time increasing their own nuclear capability! I am old enough to remember the palpable fear that gripped our nation following the Cuban missile crisis. I participated in duck-and-cover drills all through elementary and high school (I still can’t figure out how the plastic desk was going to stop the blast). But what I remember most was the atmosphere of fear that permeated the air.

That same fear permeates our atmosphere today. More and more national leaders have a button to push, and seem more willing to push it than ever before! Is it any wonder we take the recent false missile warning seriously enough to stuff our children down a manhole when world leaders seem so willing to engage in risky and irresponsible rhetoric? We see a nuclear launch as a very real possibility because we understand how deeply unstable the world has become. For us, it never seems like just a drill when world leaders posture and puff.

As a faith community, part of our mission is to promote Christ’s message of peace and love both locally and in the whole world. Our national church is engaged in ongoing legislation to promote peace and mutual understanding. Our ELCA advocacy office works to promote legislation and policy that furthers causes that seek to end poverty, war, and strife. At the local level, we can work to alleviate suffering and poverty, encourage public policy that promotes wellbeing and dignity, and hold our elected officials accountable to serve people and not just politics. But perhaps the greatest gift we can give is to support those around us to put fear aside as a way of life. For as long as we live in constant fear, we give up our power to seek meaningful and lasting change.

In Christ, we are called to live in love and hope—the opposite of fear. We are called to share what we have with those in need—the opposite of greed. We are called to rejoice in God’s beautiful creation and care for it—the opposite of unbridled consumption. In short, we are called to be the body of Christ.

Later in the afternoon on the day of the missile warning, we headed home and shared a meal. The next morning, we gathered in worship with all of you and shared a holy meal. At the end of our worship I thought to myself how glad I was that God’s deep and abiding presence in our midst, and this community formed around Christ, is not a drill.

Blessings,
Pastor Jeff

News of the Shallow Subsidy

Family Promise, the agency that sponsors the Shallow Subsidy program we support with our contributions, has teamed up with a number of stakeholders working together to help families secure stable housing. A very exciting new project will open incrementally in six phases. LCH is sponsoring a family of five (parents and three children) in the first group of residents. This family moved into their home during January!

Kahauiki Village is an affordable plantation-style community near Sand Island on Nimitz Highway. Specifically designed for homeless families and their unique needs, it is a public/private partnership development with the State of Hawai‘i, the City & County of Honolulu, and the AIO Foundation (a group of local businesspeople with expertise in many aspects of housing, construction, etc.).

Kahauiki Village provides housing in studio, one-, and two-bedroom units, each with separate bath and kitchen. There are shared amenities such as laundry, playground, garden, and community spaces, and a preschool-daycare for younger children. Kahauiki Village will provide long-term, permanent, affordable housing for approximately 153 currently-homeless families with children on O‘ahu. When completed, Kahauiki Village is expected to house over 600 adults and children. You can learn more about Kahauiki Village at www.kahauiki.org.

Meet our new family (notes from Christel Magallanes of Family Promise): Fa‘a (father) and Tinu (mother) are the parents of three beautiful children. This family was born and raised on O‘ahu. Fa‘a works fulltime as a driver for Catholic Charities (two blocks from LCH!). The eldest daughter is 8, very smart, very protective of her siblings, and loves to draw and color. Their second child, age 7, is definitely filled with a lot of joy and energy, and boy, does he love to dance. Their youngest daughter, age 6, is such a social butterfly, she loves talking story with Christel from Family Promise whenever she sees her. All three children also enjoy singing. Family Promise selected this family because any two-bedroom rental would start at $1,500, beyond the reach of the family’s finances. The Kahauiki Village community offers many advantages for them as a family, and they are so happy to be settling in.

LCH is delighted to be able to help this family in such a meaningful way. We hope to have them visit us later this spring, and perhaps we can also arrange a visit from the architect of the Kahauiki Village project to tell us more about it. We will soon be coming up on the one-year anniversary of the beginning of our involvement in this program to assist working-homeless families by partnering with Family Promise. While Kahauiki Village is a wonderful project, and hopefully a model for other similar developments, the reality is that there will continue to be many others on our streets who need help. Please consider continuing your contributions to the Shallow Subsidy program so that LCH can assist placement of a third family into stable housing.

Buy a Seat So You Can Take a Seat

The pew chairs have been selected. The order for 160 chairs for the nave and 40 chairs for the choir and musicians has been placed. Now, we need to raise the money so we can all take our seats. We are going to spend 2018 raising the money for the new seats. Our estimate for the cost of the chairs, plus shipping, is about $63,000.

We have started strong with $9,575.20 raised already in 2017. Our hope is to raise most of the money by asking people to donate a seat at an estimated cost of $300 per chair. We will be distributing a brochure in February that lists all of the details. You can choose to make a donation right away or to make a pledge for later in the year. We are also planning a series of fun fundraisers throughout the year, and we welcome your participation.

This will be one of the most significant improvements we’ve made to the church in many years, and we are thrilled to be able to make this investment in our future. If you have any questions, please feel free to talk to any of the members of the task force. They are Pastor Jeff Lilley, Scott Fikse, Sue Haas, Linda Miller, Chuck Pearson, Bill Potter, Georgine, Raphael, and Sophia Stark, and Mary Fastenau.

New LCH Office Hours in 2018

• Monday—9:00 am to 4:00 pm
• Tuesday—9:00 am to 4:00 pm
• Wednesday—12:00 noon to 4:00 pm
• Thursday—9:00 am to 4:00 pm
• Friday—9:00 am to 3:00 pm

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!

Volunteers needed—Youth & Music Ministry Fundraiser!

Punahou Carnival Parking • Friday & Saturday, February 2 & 3

Each year the LCH youth and music groups request your help with their Punahou Carnival Parking fundraiser. The carnival takes place annually on the first Friday and Saturday of February. This year the youth of Calvary by the Sea and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church will participate with the LCH youth to raise money to fund their trip to Houston this summer for the National Youth Gathering.

We need adult and youth volunteers for three-hour shifts during the carnival on both days. Event coordinators provide snacks and drinks, flashlights and safety vests, and you provide the fellowship! Sign-up sheets are available in the Hörmann courtyard after morning worship services. Volunteer shifts on both Friday and Saturday are: 10:30 am–1:30 pm, 1:30–4:30 pm, 4:30–7:30 pm, and 7:30–10:30 pm. Thank you!

The LCH OFFICE will be CLOSED

during the Punahou Carnival on Friday, February 2

Food for Thought

Saturday, February 3, 5:30–8:00 pm

Food for Thought will meet for the first time in 2018 at the home of David Hörmann. All are welcome for potluck supper, video, and discussion. For more information, call the LCH office at 808-941-2566.

Angel Network In-Gathering

Sunday, February 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.

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 Godly Play stories for February:

• February 4—St. Bridget object box
• February 11—Parable of the Good Samaritan
• February 18— The Mystery of Easter puzzle
• February 25—The Faces of Easter I & II

Adult Forum Asks: If God is Good, Why Is There Suffering and Death?

Sundays, throughout February, 9:20 am • LCH Boardroom

What do you say to a child, senior, or friend who is gravely or terminally ill? This discussion, led by Wayne Gau and Larry Anderson, also explores the issue of medically-assisted suicide. Adult Forum takes place in the LCH boardroom on Sundays, February 9, 11, 18, and 25. Bring your refreshments and join us after the first service for this topic of interest.

Leadership Roundtable

Sunday, February 4, 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, February 4 & 18, 7:30 pm

Join us for Compline every first and third Sunday of the month, led a cappella by the compline choir. This is a peaceful experience of rejuvenation and prayer.

Process Forum

Saturday, February 10, 9:30 am • LCH Boardroom

We plan to finish up discussion of the article “Economic Justice and Process Philosophy” by John Cobb, Jr., Jay McDaniel, and others. You can find it on the new Open Horizons website. All are invited to join us for lively discussion. No need to prepare; just come and be part of the group.

Fourteenth Annual Faith and Arts Sunday

Sunday, February 11 • Hörmann Courtyard

We are preparing for our fourteenth annual Faith and Arts Sunday where we will highlight the creativity of our congregation by displaying our artwork, handwork, and writings during the services. Please allow us to show your art or craft item during that day, or to put your poem or short work of prose up on the board.

What we need:

• As soon as possible: your commitment to have an item in the show. (Sign up in the courtyard)
• By February 4th: the information on the item so we can make a label. If you wish to type a longer explanation to be displayed with your item, please do so and give it to us when you give us the item.
• By February 8th: the item(s) (to be kept in a safe place till it is put up on Saturday the 10th.

Contact Linda Miller with questions or to say yes to this opportunity.

Holoholo Pick-Up

Tuesdays, February 13 and 27, 2:30–4:00 pm • LCH Boardroom

Holoholo General Store is a Community Supported Agriculture organization, or csa, that works with LCH to bring you fresh produce from multiple, local farms. For more information visit their website at www.holoholostore.com for bag options and prices and to sign up.

Ash Wednesday Worship

February 14 + 7:30 pm

The season of Lent begins with a very special worship on Ash Wednesday. This beautiful evening service begins the Lenten season of reflection, prayer, and preparation as we hear the words from Genesis 3:19 “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Ashes, a sign of mourning and repentance, are placed on our foreheads as a reminder of our mortality, but the ashes are in the shape of a cross, a sign of promise, and life, and hope. Ash Wednesday—and the whole season of Lent—calls us to reflect and remember the precious gift of life and love that God has given us in creation and community and to recenter our thoughts and spirit on what truly matter.. As we gather around the communion table in worship on Ash Wednesday, we see our neighbor with same smudged cross on her head, recall that our mortality in joined to hers forever in Christ, and remember that together we share the joy of life with all of God’s world.

IHS Meals Prepared and Served

Friday, February 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.

Sylvia Hörmann-Alper Memorial Service

Saturday, February 17, 11:00 am • Pohai Nani Good Samaritan

Life-long member and friend of LCH, Syvia Hörmann-Alper passed away unexpectedly at her home in Pohai Nani, during the early morning of Wednesday, January 24. We rejoice that Sylvia is at peace in her heavenly home. We ask for your prayers and support for her family. She will long be remembered for her eloquent reading, especially at Easter Vigil services.

A memorial service will be held for Sylvia on February 17, in the Ruth Orcott Bacon Auditorium, on the first floor of the Pohai Nani Good Samaritan Assisted Living Center in Kaneohe. Please contact the LCH office if you require additional information. The family thanks you so very much for everything you do, as well as your care and support!

Mary Magdalene Society

Saturday, February 17 • at the Riingen-Russell Residence

p>LGBTQI and friends, please join our February potluck supper and social, which will be hosted by Rudy Riingen and Mark Russell at their new home. Mark or Rudy will provide directions, parking instructions, and the start time. Jim suggests arranging to car pool from LCH, if possible.

Following Roy suggestion, we also make a note of celebrating all the birthdays in the month when we meet. So, those of you who are getting a year older in February, please let us know.

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 Office Closed

Presidents’ Day—Monday, February 19

LCH Women’s Book Club

Monday, February 19, 10:00 am

We’re meeting at Murashige’s to discuss A Paradox of Choice, by Barry Swartz. Linda will lead at this gathering. On March 19, we meet at the Murashige’s for Before We Were Yours, by Lisa Wingate. Billie Jean leads the discussion. Newcomers are welcome. Please contact the church office if you have questions, 808-941-2566.

Writers’ Workshop

Monday, February 19, 4:30 pm • LCH Boardroom

Writers’ Workshop meets on Monday, February 19, in the LCH Boardroom. We also plan to participate in Faith in Arts Sunday on February 11 by showcasing some of our work over the last year. Further meetings are scheduled for March 19, April 16, May 21, and possibly June 18. For more information contact the LCH office at 808-941-2566.

Lenten Soup and Salad Suppers

Wednesdays, February 21, 28, March 7, 14, and 21 at 6:00 pm • Isenberg Hall

Please join in this wonderful time of fellowship and prayer, beginning each week with a simple soup and salad supper, Wednesday evenings during the season of Lent. Suppers will be served at 6:00 pm, prior to 7:00 pm Lenten Services. A sign-up sheet will be available in the courtyard for contributions to each week’s meal and for help with set-up and clean-up. See Mary Jo Estes or call the LCH office for more information.

LCH Sponsors Wounded Warriors Meal

Thursday, February 22, 4:00 pm

LCH is scheduled to feed the Wounded Warriors this month. We need one or two shoppers and four or five for the meal prep and service itself. First-timers are welcome. We meet at the entrance gate to Marine Corps Base, Kāne‘ohe (at the end of H-3) at 3:30 pm. Cooking, feeding, and clean-up are relatively light work, and we are usually finished and on our way by 6:00 pm. Please contact Fred Benco or the LCH office, lch@lchwelcome.org or 808-941-2566, if you are willing to volunteer for this worthwhile event.

Donate Your Gift Cards for Wounded Warriors

Friends of Windward Wounded Warriors are requesting donations of unused or unwanted gift cards that you may have forgotten about or ignored in your wallet for some time.

If you are willing to donate meal or retail gift cards, you may drop them in the calabash during Sunday service, or send them to the LCH church office. We will forward them to Rev. Steve Jensen for distribution to individual warriors or warrior families in need. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!

One Pot, One Hope

Saturday, February 24, 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 (December 18). See Peggy Anderson for more information, including volunteering and carpool.

Electronic Funds Transfers for December

Offering Fund	Amount	Offering Fund	Amount
Offering	$4,960	Capital Improvements	$110
Music Fund/Instruments	$210	Wounded Warriors	$120
Shallow Subsidy	$70

Attendance and Offerings for January

Date	Worship Service	Attendance	Offering Fund	Amount
January 6	German Vespers	83	Offering	$???
January 7	8:00 am Service	47	Offering	$1,306
	10:30 am Service	70	Shallow Subsidy	$50
	Compline	31	Music/Instruments	$325
	Total	148	Pew Chair Fund	$720
January 14	8:00 am Service	31	Offering	$1,695
	10:30 am Service	70	Altar Flowers	$40
	Total	101	Shallow Subsidy	$70
			Social Ministries/IHS	$40
			Wounded Warriors	$50
			Music/Instruments	$100
January 21	8:00 am Service	42	Offering	$2,450
	10:30 am Service	73	Altar Flowers	$40
	Compline	42	Shallow Subsidy	$450
	Total	157	Wounded Warriors	$50
			Music/Instruments	$30
			Social Ministries/IHS	$62
			Domestic Relief	$25
January 28	8:00 am Service	50	Offering	$2,675
	10:30 am Service	81	Social Ministries/IHS	$30
	Total	131	Shallow Subsidy	$100

HeartBeat Deadline

Tuesday, February 20, 9:00 am

Brian B., Clement and Claudette and family, Jennifer, Karen, Katie and Tyler, Kawena, Keahi Y., Kim K., Kim V., Kirsten, Lee M., Lori L., Marguerite, Micki S., Shirley, Swede, Tammy, Vonia

February Birthdays

02/01	Christian David Arakawa
02/07	Cheryl Crozier Garcia
02/12	Carolyn Koehler
02/12	Michael Okikawa
02/14	Raymond B. Herradura
02/16	Judie O. Boutá
02/16	Colin Buckley
02/17	Jaylene H.
02/21	Jordan N.
02/21	Don Johnson
02/24	Teresa McCreary
02/25	Noelani Nitz
02/27	Elijah Kaeo, Sr.
02/28	Roy Helms

LCH Worship Participants

Holy Communion (8:00 am)
DATE	February 4	February 11		February 18	February 25
LECTOR	Jim Sullivan	Jimmy Castro		Chuck Huxel	Cindy Scheinert
ASSISTING MINISTER	Bobby Broyles	Peggy Anderson		Amanda Lippert	Laurie Leach
COMMUNION ASSISTANTS	Kyra Takamiya Sophia S. Phyllis Hormann	Laurie Leach Amanda Lippert Wayne Gau		Chuck Huxel Don Johnson Wayne Gau	Peggy Anderson Stephanie Luuloa Sophia S.
ACOLYTE	Raphael S.	Dylan D.		Hunter N.	Raphael S.
LAYING ON HANDS		Stephanie Luuloa
USHERS	Fred Benco Billie Jean Ries Dylan DePretto		COUNCIL in CHARGE	Carol Langner
Choral Eucharist (10:30 am and Ash Wednesday)
DATE	February 4	February 11	February 14 Ash Wednesday	February 18	February 25
LECTOR	Peggy Brandt	Aaron Gould	Jim Cartwright	Karen Barber	Angie Niermann
DEACON	Frank Haas	Marcus Fikse	David Barber	Teresa McCreary	Mary Fastenau
SUB-DEACON	Mary Fastenau	Jim Cartwright	Marcus Fikse	Josie Bidgood	Frank Haas
COMMUNION ASSISTANTS	Sue Haas David Barber	Bob Tellander< Randy Christensen/td>	Chuck Pearson Jim Cartwright	Chuck Pearson Randy Christensen	Josie Bidgood Bob Tellander
ACOLYTES	Rebecca L. Scarlett S.	Rebecca L. Scarlett S.	Dyland D. Josie Bidgood	Lillie J. Coco J.	Rebecca L. Scarlett S.
LAYING ON HANDS		John Bickel
USHERS	Peter Flachsbart Bill Fay, Chuck Huxel Chuck Pearson		ALTAR GUILD	Josie Bidgood Stephanie Luuloa Lois Watanabe Juditha Murashige

Calendar: February 2018

Day	Date	Event and Time
Thursday	February 1	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Friday	February 2	LCH Office CLOSED Punahou Carnival Event Parking at LCH
Saturday	February 3	Punahou Carnival Event Parking at LCH All regularly scheduled activities at LCH cancelled 5:30 pm, Food for Thought
Sunday	February 4	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	February 5	6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal
Thursday	February 8	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Saturday	February 10	9:30 am, Process Forum
Sunday	February 11	Annual Faith and Arts Sunday 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist
Monday	February 12	6:00 pm, Worship & Music Meeting 7:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal
Tuesday	February 13	2:30 pm, Holoholo Pick-up
Wednesday	February 14	Ash Wednesday 7:30 pm, Ash Wednesday Worship
Thursday	February 15	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Friday	February 16	1:00 pm, IHS Meals Prepared 5:30 pm, IHS Meals Served
Saturday	February 17	11:00 am, Sylvia Hörmann-Alper Memorial Service 6:00 pm, Mary Magdalene Society
Sunday	February 18	8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 7:30 pm, Compline
Monday	February 19	Presidents’ Day—LCH Office Closed 10:00 am, Women’s Book Club 4:30 pm, Writers’ Workshop 6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal
Tuesday	February 20	HeartBeat Submissions Deadline
Wednesday	February 21	12:30 pm, Finance Committee Meeting 6:00 pm, Lenten Soup & Salad Supper 7:00 pm, Lenten Evening Prayer Service
Thursday	February 22	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 4:00 pm, Wounded Warriors Meal 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Saturday	February 24	9:30 am, One Pot One Hope
Sunday	February 25	8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist
Monday	February 26	6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal
Tuesday	February 27	2:30 pm, Holoholo Pick-up 6:30 pm, LCH Council Meeting
Wednesday	February 28	6:00 pm, Lenten Soup & Salad Supper 7:00 pm, Lenten Evening Prayer Service