HeartBeat—April 2018

From Pastor Jeff

An Easter Promise

In the Gospel of Mark (the first ending), the women who came to anoint Jesus’ body found the tomb empty and a young man sitting in the tomb. He gives them a message: “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.” The women, who were disciples, at first told no one, for they were afraid, but finally they told Peter and the other disciples. Mark’s Gospel ends with these words: “And afterward, Jesus himself sent out through them, from east to west, the sacred and imperishable proclamation of eternal salvation.”

Mark delivers a different Easter promise than the other Gospel accounts. The author does not originally include a bodily encounter with Jesus, or a miraculous visitation in the upper room, or angels hanging out in the tomb—just a direction to meet him in Galilee, just as he promised, and a sending of the disciples to continue the ministry to which they had been called. Mark’s Easter ending is, in many ways, more compelling in its evangelical imperative and its profoundly simple charge to the future Church.

Throughout the Gospel, Mark reminds us that though Jesus is with us for only a little while, God is present for us and with us in every moment. Jesus’ ministry prepares the disciples to carry on proclaiming, healing, teaching, serving, and sharing grace even after Jesus left them. In Mark’s shorter ending, Jesus meets them and then sends them out simply with what he has shown them to do: pour themselves out for the sake of the world.

Mark’s simple account can be an inspiration for our own ministry, as well. Just as Jesus sent his disciples “from east to west” to proclaim God’s deep love, so he also sends us. There is no need for a special invitation or a parade of appearances by Jesus to inspire us. “Jesus is risen, Alleluia; now get out there!” seems to be Mark’s message.

The “mission” field into which Christ sends us is amazingly ready to hear what Jesus has to say. The rise of violence, poverty, loneliness, isolationism, global warming, and pollution in our country and around the globe leaves God’s world yearning for a message of hope that is deeper than a praise-band refrain or a power-of-positive-thinking sermon. These hurts and hopes need the hands and hearts of God’s people rooted in the cross and in the unnerving power of grace that draws us out of our church buildings into the church unfolding in the ordinary life of the world. In the works of God’s people, Christ is not only risen, but is still rising in the incredible work of social workers, doctors, teachers, moms and dads, craftspeople, and broken souls. It is not well-meaning Christians bringing the saving word of God to the world, but God’s faithful people beginning to see what God is already doing in the world and diving into the midst of it.

When our eyes finally begin to open and alleluias and Easter lilies are put way, we begin to finally understand that Jesus will meet us in Galilee and ‘Ewa, in Siberia and Lesotho. For God in Christ Jesus fulfills the Easter promise, “I am with you, wherever you are.”

Blessings,
Pastor Jeff

Angel Network In-Gathering

Sunday, April 1

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.

Easter Worship at LCH

• April 1, 8:00 am + Easter Morning + A New Dawn
  Easter worship with the Early Worship Ensemble and brass quintet. Spirited Easter hymns accompany our service of Holy Communion with the fully-scored Alleluia Mass, commissioned by LCH, and works for brass.
• April 1, 10:30 am + Festival Choral Eucharist + A New Dawn
  Celebrate the blessed Easter morning with the Honolulu Brass and the LCH Choir. The choir will sing Anglican composer Samuel Wesley’s Blessed be the God and Father, famous for its debut at Hereford Cathedral on Easter Sunday in 1853.
• April 1, 7:30 pm + Compline for Easter Sunday
  Contemplative Easter meditation offered by the LCH Men’s Schola. Candlelight illuminates the Nave for this short service of prayer, chant, and a cappella singing.

Easter Potluck

Easter Sunday, April 1, at 9:15 am

Join in the fun of fellowship and food at the Easter Sunday Potluck Brunch between services on Easter Sunday. We welcome your favorite breakfast dish or casserole, breads, pastries, fruit, or any other food item to share with everyone. We also need help with table set up and clean up. Look for the sign-up sheet in the Hörmann Courtyard or see Mary Jo Estes.

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 April:

• April 1—Easter egg hunt
• April 8—Jesus and the Twelve
• April 15—Paul’s Discovery
• April 22—The Good Shepherd and World Communion
• April 29—The Synagogue and the Upper Room

Easter Egg Hunt

Sunday, April 1, 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 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

LCH Office Closed

Easter Monday, April 2

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!

Food for Thought

Saturday, April 7, 5:30–8:00 pm

Food for Thought will meet at the home of David Hörmann. All are welcome for potluck supper, video, and discussion. Our future meetings are planned for May 12 and June 2. For more information, contact the LCH office at 808-941-2566.

Leadership Roundtable

Sunday, April 8, 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!

Process Forum

Saturday, April 14, 9:30 am • LCH Boardroom

Process Forum will convene at our regular meeting time and place. We will discuss a one-page essay about Process theology/philosophy which Fritz wrote a few years ago. It’s an opportunity to revisit some of the most important concepts of Process, and to honor Fritz’s long dedication to this way of understanding God. Seeing through a process lens has an impact on how we relate to each other, other disciplines and faiths, and our world. All are welcome to share in the morning’s discussion.

Holoholo Pick-Up

Tuesdays, April 10 and 24, 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.

Notice of Passing of Ann Erickson-Becklin

We have learned that former LCH member Ann Erickson-Becklin died on March 12, 2018. Ann was a member of LCH from 1980 to 1989, and many long-time LCH members will remember her fondly. She was living in Lancaster, California.

People may remember that Ann was responsible for the roof over the nursery lanai. Having young children at the time, she said the kids needed a covered area to play. She and her husband of 41 years, Eric Becklin, have five sons. Eric Becklin sang bass in the LCH choir and was an astronomy professor on the UH faculty; he is still working in that profession.

We were notified that an informal memorial and celebration of Ann’s life will be held on April 14, at 1:00 pm, at the home of one of the sons, Daniel Becklin, in Simi Valley, California. Friends of Ann who would like to attend the memorial service or send a note to the family may contact Eric Becklin at ebecklin@sofia.usra.edu.

Children’s Miracle Network Representative at LCH

Sunday, April 15, 8:00 and 10:30 am

Amanda Ka‘ahanui, from the Children’s Miracle Network, will speak at both LCH services on April 15. Sophia Stark has invited her to help raise money for the network as part of a requirement for the Miss Hawai‘i Outstanding Teen scholarship competition, in which Sophia is competing. There will be a table in the courtyard between services and following the second service to accept donations for this amazing organization.

Compline

Sunday, April 15, 7:30 pm

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

LCH Women’s Book Club

Monday, April 16, 10:00 am

We gather to consider one of the classic mysteries by Ellis Peter, featuring Inspector George Felse. Mary Jo leads, and the meeting location will be announced as soon as it is confirmed. On May 21, Marlise leads the discussion of The Reluctant Fundamentalist, by Mohsin Hamid, at the home of the Murashiges. Newcomers are welcome. Please contact the church office ay 808-941-2566 if you have questions.

Writers’ Workshop

Monday, April 16, 4:30 pm • LCH Boardroom

Writers’ Workshop will meet in the Boardroom at LCH. All are welcome. Further meetings are scheduled for May 21 and possibly June 18. For more information, contact the LCH office at 808-941-2566.

IHS Meals Prepared and Served

Friday, April 20, 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.

Mary Magdalene Society

Saturday, April 21, 6:00 pm • Isenberg Hall

LGBTQI and friends, please join our potluck supper and game night in Isenberg Hall. Supper begins at 6:00 pm with games to follow. Set up begins at 5:30, and help is greatly appreciated. Please bring a food item to share. Games are also welcome for after-dinner entertainment.

For more information, contact Jim Cartwright. Please share information of this gathering and an invitation to other LGBTQI and friends you know who may be interested in socializing with us.

2017 AIDS Walk

Sunday April 22, 8:00 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 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!

Adult Forum for Earth Day Sunday

April 22 at 9:20 am in the Boardroom

Our celebration of Earth Day this year will remind us of our need to be good stewards of God’s creation. We invite you to attend the Adult Education hour, starting at 9:20 am, to watch a 22-minute video, The Story of Stuff by Annie Leonard. A discussion of the video will follow. Willow Chang, Peter Flachsbart, and Cindy Scheinert will lead a discussion of how we, as a congregation, can continue our “Care of the Earth” year-round. Please come and share your ideas of what we can do to reduce our ecological footprint.

One Pot, One Hope

Saturday, April 28, 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. We are in need of chili donations, #10 sized cans (from Costco or Sam’s Club).

The Chairs Are Coming! Here’s How You Can Help

The new pew chairs are on their way to Honolulu! That means we are kicking our fundraising into high gear. Here are a few ways you can help:

Silent Auction and Potluck—April 28

We are soliciting the amazing talent at LCH to make donations to the silent auction. Just think of the amazing items we saw on Faith and Arts Sunday. We encourage you to be creative in your gifts. Silent Auction/In-Kind Donation forms are available to allow you to make your donation. Here are a few early donations:

• A dinner for four at Chez Stark prepared by Sophia Stark, who was recently named one of the 40 top contestants on MasterChef Junior Season 6.
• A half pew beautifully crafted by Pastor Jeff.
• Amazing framed photographs by Aaron Gould.

Make a Donation

The chairs cost approximately $300 each. Our goal is to raise $60,000 to cover this wonderful new addition to our worship life. Please pick up a brochure at church to see how you can make your donation or pledge. If you want to make a donation by mail, just make out your check to Lutheran Church of Honolulu and add Pew Chairs in the subject line. You may also donate online at www.lchwelcome.org/site/donate.

Cash for Coffee

We also encourage you to drop a few pennies or dollars in the calabash when you are getting your coffee and refreshments on Sunday morning.

Thank you for your support for this ongoing effort.

Fritz Fritschel Memorial

Saturday, May 5, beginning at 11:00 am • at LCH

The family invites you to attend a memorial service, celebrating Fritz’s life. All are welcome and encouraged to attend for all or part of the day:

• 11:00 am—Service with Holy Communion
• 12:00 pm—Lunch
• 1:30 pm—Concert and Poetry Reading

Condolences may be sent to:

Carol Langner, 1415 Victoria St., #1101, Honolulu, HI 96822

2018 Charitable Deductions

With the new tax law, the standard deduction has been increased to $12,000 for singles and $24,000 for married people. This will lower your total tax bill. These larger deductions also make itemizing charities not useful for people whose combined deductions, including charities, are less than the new amounts.

Some interpret this as “losing the charity deduction.” However, another way to think of it is: the government gave us an additional $5,500 or $11,000 deduction in advance. Having already received that deduction, we could donate! As always, please consult your tax advisor.

Please don’t let the new law keep you from donating—you have already had the deduction!

Steve Miller, MD
Your friendly LCH Treasurer

Three-Month Opportunity with the State

Great opportunity to work in the beautiful Hemmeter Building downtown Honolulu. Clerical position with computer knowledge needed, $13.31/hour; full-time, 40 hours flexible with possible extensions; bus stop right across the street. If interested, call Dori at 808-586-2594.

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.

Electronic Funds Transfers for February

Offering Fund	Amount	Offering Fund	Amount
Offering	$4,739	Capital Improvements	$110
Music Fund/Instruments	$210	Wounded Warriors	$120
Shallow Subsidy	$90	Pew Chair Fund	$1,200

Attendance and Offerings for March

Date	Worship Service	Attendance	Offering Fund	Amount
March 4	8:00 am Service	51	Offering	$2,920
	10:30 am Service	83	Shallow Subsidy	$70
	Compline	30	Angel Network	$82
	Total	174	Pew Chair Fund	$50
			Wounded Warriors	$2,000
			Easter Lilies	$112
March 11	8:00 am Service	44	Offering	$2,907
	10:30 am Service	70	Pew Chair Fund	$977
	Total	114	Shallow Subsidy	$80
			Social Ministries/IHS	$30
			Music/Instruments	$10
			Easter Lilies	$108
March 18	8:00 am Service	62	Offering	$1,315
	10:30 am Service	69	Shallow Subsidy	$80
	Compline	32	Pew Chair Fund	$801
	Total	163	Easter Lilies	$221
March 25	8:00 am Service	51	Offering	$3,363
	10:30 am Service	89	Social Ministries/IHS	$30
	Total	140	Shallow Subsidy	$50
			Easter Lilies	$29
			Pew Chair Fund	$170
			Wounded Warriors	$100

HeartBeat Deadline

Tuesday, April 17, 9:00 am

Cindy P., Colleen, Jennifer, Karen, Katie and Tyler, Kim K.,
Kim V., Kirsten, Lee M., Lori L., Marguerite, Micki S., Shirley,
Steve R., Swede, Tammy, Vonia

April Birthdays

04/02	Brent Buckley
04/04	Marisa Castello
04/07	Dr. Carl Watanabe
04/08	Azure S.
04/09	Thomas Motooka
04/12	Eric Ogawa
04/13	Larry Nitz
04/15	Peter Flachsbart
04/15	Darel Stark
04/17	Carol Langner
04/17	Joseph Pearson
04/19	April Smith
04/26	Anna Womack
04/29	Mitchell G.
04/30	Vicki Gorman

LCH Worship Participants

Holy Communion (8:00 am)
DATE	April 1 Easter Sunday	April 8	April 15	April 22 Earth Day Sunday	April 29
LECTOR	Carolyn Koehler	Jim Sullivan	Jimmy Castro	Cindy Scheinert	Chuck Huxel
ASSISTING MINISTER	Amanda Lippert	Peggy Anderson	Tim Freson	Laurie Leach	Bobby Broyles
COMMUNION ASSISTANTS	Phyllis Hörmann Bobby Broyles Kyra Takamiya	Laurie Leach Wayne Gau Chuck Huxel	Phyllis Hörmann Amanda Lippert Kyra Takamiya	Sophia S. Peggy Anderson Stephanie Luuloa	Chuck Huxel Stephanie Luuloa Wayne Gau
ACOLYTE	Dylan D.	Hunter N.	Dylan D.	Raphael S.	Hunter N.
LAYING ON HANDS		Stephanie Luuloa
USHERS	Fred Benco Billie Jean Ries Dylan DePretto		COUNCIL in CHARGE	Steve Miller
Choral Eucharist (10:30 am)
DATE	April 1 Easter Sunday	April 8	April 15	April 22 Earth Day Sunday	April 29
LECTOR	Iara Nitz	Karen Barber	Aaron Gould	Peggy Brandt	Peter Flachsbart
DEACON	Marcus Fikse	David Barber	Josie Bidgood	Frank Haas	Teresa McCreary
SUB-DEACON	Teresa McCreary	Mary Fastenau	Marcus Fikse	David Barber	Josie Bidgood
COMMUNION	John Bickel Jim Cartwright	Frank Haas Marcus Fikse	Chuck Pearson Jim Cartwright	Mary Fastenau Randy Christensen	Chuck Pearson Randy Christensen
ACOLYTES	Max W. Lillie J.	Rebecca L. TBD	Iara N. TBD	Rebecca L. TBD	Scarlett S. TBD
BANNER BEARER	Lillie J. Jerelyn Watanabe
LAYING ON HANDS		Pastor Jeff
USHERS	Peter Flachsbart Jean-Paul Klingebiel Bill Fay Chuck Huxel Chuck Pearson		ALTAR GUILD	Linda Miller Lori Nishimura Marjan Lynch Marliese Tellander

Calendar: April 2018

Day	Date	Event and Time
Sunday	April 1	Resurrection of Our Lord Angel Network In-Gathering 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:15 am, Easter Brunch 9:20 am, Easter Egg Hunt 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 7:30 pm, Compline
Monday	April 2	LCH Office closed—Easter Monday
Thursday	April 5	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff meeting
Saturday	April 7	5:30 pm, Food for Thought
Sunday	April 8	8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 11:45 am, Leadership Roundtable
Monday	April 9	6:00 pm, Worship & Music Meeting 7:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble rehearsal
Tuesday	April 10	2:30 pm, Holoholo Pick-up
Thursday	April 12	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting
Saturday	April 14	9:30 am, Process Forum
Sunday	April 15	8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 7:30 pm, Compline
Monday	April 16	10:00 am, Women’s Book Club 4:30 pm, Writers’ Workshop 6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble rehearsal
Tuesday	April 17	HeartBeat Submissions Deadline
Wednesday	April 18	12:30 pm, Finance Committee Meeting
Thursday	April 19	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 3:30 pm, Wounded Warriors Meal 7:00 pm, LCH Choir rehearsal
Friday	April 20	1:00 pm, IHS Meals Prepared 5:30 pm, IHS Meals Served
Saturday	April 21	6:00 pm, Mary Magdalene Society
Sunday	April 22	Earth Day Sunday 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist
Monday	April 23	6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble rehearsal
Tuesday	April 24	2:30 pm, Holoholo Pick-up 6:30 pm, LCH Council Meeting
Thursday	April 26	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir rehearsal
Saturday	April 28	9:30 am, One Pot One Hope 5:30 pm, LCH Pew Chair Fundraiser/Silent Auction
Sunday	April 29	8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist
Monday	April 30	6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble rehearsal