In this issue:
- A Message from Pastor Jeff
- From Vicar Andrew
- LCH Office Hours
- Committee/Interest Group Chairs
- This Changes Everything!
- Punahou Academy Fall Semester Parking
- Regular Worship Schedule Resumes Sunday, September 2!
- 2018 LCH Scholarships Awarded
- Give Aloha Returns September 1!
- Angel Network In-Gathering
- Nursery Hours September through May
- Godly Play—Sunday School Starts this Month!
- Leadership Roundtable
- Compline
- LCH Office Closed for Labor Day
- Book of Faith Bible Study
- LCH Property Work Day
- Holoholo Pick-Up
- E-Waste Recycling
- Food for Thought
- Early Music Hawai‘i Season Premier
- The Braeded Chord Coming to Hawai‘i
- LCH Women’s Book Club
- Writers’ Workshop
- IHS Meals Prepared
- LCH Choir Retreat and Choral Workshop
- Mary Magdalene Society
- One Pot, One Hope
- Edward Shipwright Memorial Piano Fund
- Save on Your Taxes!
- LutherFest! Save the Date
- 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 2018
From Pastor Jeff
Many hands make…God’s Work
Each September, congregations throughout the ELCA participate in God’s Work, Our Hands Sunday. Participating congregations choose a project or ministry in their community, don their bright yellow “God’s Work, Our Hands” t-shirts, and get to work. The ideas for this day of volunteering come from deep within our theology. As God has graced us with our very life, we are called to share our lives with others.
Over the years, congregations have committed hundreds of thousands of hours to projects ranging from full-scale community food drives to cleaning out the garden of an elder. While the scale of projects varies widely, the joy to both giver and recipient is the same! LCH has had several projects over the years. A few years back, the community life committee organized a clean-up and garden day at a local head-start preschool. The next year, we distributed food bags around the neighborhood asking for donations for Angel Network.
I hoped to have arrangements made for our 2018 event before this article appeared. We are working on a project to benefit the residents of Kahauiki Village, a low income housing project located near Sand Island. We will post details in the e-news and LCHNews in the next couple of weeks.
Many hands make…Church Alive
Churches are one of the last largely volunteer-run organizations. We are blessed, here at LCH, with a very willing and skilled volunteer corps. In addition to our very active board and committees, a dedicated group of volunteers give one day a month each to serving the hungry through IHS and One Pot, One Hope. Another group has faithfully served a meal, per quarter, to families of the Wounded Warrior battalion at Marine Corps Base Hawai‘i. Each Sunday, we are served by a small but willing cadre of singers, liturgists, readers, altar guild volunteers, acolytes, and ushers who bring life to the gospel and joy to our worship.
Sadly, the work that serves our church and our community is being carried out by a shrinking number of volunteers, and they are finding themselves stretched pretty thin. In some cases, folks who have been in charge of ministries for years are moving away or aging out. In other cases, leaders are simply ready to pass the baton to the next willing person. What is clear is that there are many opportunities for you to serve in volunteer ministry and you are invited to do so! Below you will find some suggestions for ways you might be able to serve. If you have something you are passionate about and would like to undertake, please contact Pastor Jeff!
Leadership
- Council Member: We are looking for a person to serve out an unexpired term in the congregational council. Please contact Josie Bidgood for details.
- Social Ministry: Persons willing to shepherd this ministry. Contact Mary Fastenau for details.
- IHS: Persons to help shop, cook, and serve meals at IHS. Contact Jimmy Castro or Carol Langner for details.
- Worship Setup: Persons to help setup tables, greeting materials, and other pre-service duties. Contact Pastor Jeff for more information.
- Stewardship Committee: Persons willing to enhance our giving of time, talent, and treasure. Contact Phyllis Hörmann for details.
The ministries of LCH are your ministries! Please take a moment to consider how God might be calling you to serve in the congregation and community. Mahalo nui loa to all who faithfully give of their time and who share their considerable talents to help this ministry remain faithful to God’s call.
Blessings,
Pastor Jeff
From Vicar Andrew
Siblings in Christ,
It is hard for me to believe that Justin and I arrived a month and a half ago already. Where has the time gone? It feels like just yesterday I was installed as LCH’s intern/vicar, and now I am regularly leading worship and participating in day-to-day operations.
Worship is one of my favorite parts of ministry. I love when we, as a community, gather together to sing, reflect on God’s word, and share communion together. Sunday services that include a baptism are even more special for me. My eyes get misty when I hear the pastor proclaim, “Child of God, you have been marked with the Cross of Christ forever!”
Scott has been working with me to learn how to chant. I really appreciate his patience with me. Mark has also offered his assistance and I will, no doubt, be taking him up on that offer as well.
Being the intern/vicar has given me my first opportunity to really dive into this aspect of ministry. Pastor Jeff is working to get me acquainted with all the software LCH uses, Anne is working to show me how church office administration works, and many of you are seeing to it that get the chance to participate in committees and other important parts of ministry. I am so grateful for the time in the office, it’s helping me develop my own patterns and approaches to congregational operations.
Blessings and mahalo,
Vicar Andy
Committee/Interest Group Chairs
Committee/Group | Leader |
---|---|
Archive: | Jim Cartwright |
Concert: | Scott Fikse |
Communications: | Carol Langner |
Community Life: | Larry Anderson & Wayne Gau |
Council: | Josie Bidgood |
Fellowship: | Jeanne Castello & Mary-Jo Estes |
Finance: | Steve Miller |
Financial Review: | Dori Palcovich |
Food for Thought: | Kathryn Klingebiel |
Lay Ministers: | Carolyn Koehler |
Learning Ministry: | Fred Benco |
Mary Magdalene Society: | James Cartwright |
Process Theology: | Carol Langner |
Property: | Richard Mundell, chair & Greg Gebhardt |
Scholarship: | Fred Benco |
Social Ministry: | Jean Lilley |
Stewardship: | Phyllis Hörmann |
Sunday School: | Laurie Leach |
Worship & Music: | Roy Helms & Randy Castello |
Writers’ Workshop: | Kathryn Klingebiel |
Youth: | Pr. Jeff Lilley & Georgine Stark |
LCH Office Hours
- Monday—9:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Tuesday—9:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Wednesday—9:00 am to 12:00 noon
- Thursday—9:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Friday—9:00 am to 3:00 pm
We recommend calling the office (808-941-2566) before making a visit to see Pastor Jeff or the administrator, as schedules may vary with appointments, other work commitments, and lunch breaks.
This Changes Everything!
Dylan DePretto, Hunter Nishimura, and Pastor Jeff, together with Pastor Diane Martinson and two youth from St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Honolulu, traveled to Houston, Texas, on June 25 to attend the 2018 ELCA Youth Gathering. They arrived, after a very long flight, checked into the hotel, and the next day joined a youth group from Wisconsin on a tour of the Houston Space Center. It turned out that pretty much every other youth group decided to do the same thing at the same time! The crowds were amazing, but the group had a wonderful time taking in the history and culture of the U.S. Space Program.
The next day they attended the first Mass Gathering at the NRG Center—a huge stadium. It is difficult to imagine, but there were 31,000 Lutheran youth and their leaders present at the event. That is not a typo; 31,000 Lutheran youth singing, clapping, being inspired, dancing, laughing, and serving. The music team was excellent and did a great job leading praise music and spirituals. Despite what you may have heard, Lutherans (at least youth) can dance!
Many of the presenters were youth and young adults who shared their struggles and triumphs from a perspective of faith. Addicts, young leaders of social non-profits, victims of sexual assault, LGBTI, self-abusers, successful leaders, and many others poured out their stories so that the young people attending could see themselves and have hope. Each speaker addressed the themes of the evening: Love Changes Everything, Hope Changes Everything, and God Changes Everything.
Several amazing entertainers blistered the crowd with amazing music and stories of their own faith. Rock, rap, electronic, and other genres difficult to recognize were accompanied by rock-star worthy lighting effects and fireworks. But there were also quiet moments of spiritual music, punctuated by a thousand points of light, as the youth held up their phones in solidarity. It was beautiful.
In addition to worship each night, the youth rotated through three days divided into Synod Day, Experiential Learning, and Service Day. On Synod Day they connected with other youth from the Pacifica and Southern California Synods. This included personal connections, inspirational speakers, and worship. Ours was the only Synod whose worship and preaching were led by youth rather than by synodical staff and bishops.
For Experiential Learning, several hundred thousand square feet of space was converted into areas where youth could do hands-on learning. They could choose from over 150 activities, including Habitat for Humanity (where they assembled walls for a house), as well as having art studios, weaving, lessons in liturgy and justice, writing music, painting mural making, poetry, rapping, donating blood, or experiencing outdoor ministry. At one booth, you could learn the difficulty young people go through trying to immigrate to the United States. All four of our youth indicated that this was one of their most touching experiences.
On service day, the group traveled to St. Mary’s Baptist Church to work with nearly 80 other youth cleaning, doing yard work, repairing flood damage, and moving rocks.
After a long day in the heat of Houston, the youth were treated to a “glow party” at the huge Community Life Center in yet another building at the NRG complex. Pastor Jeff took one look at the disco lights, neon bracelets, and pounding bass and decided to find a nice quiet corner and some lemonade.
Closing worship in the NRG Center included preaching by Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and Holy Communion with 31,000 people.
We are thankful to all who have helped over the years at the Punahou Carnival Parking Fundraiser. The money raised was enough to cover nearly all of the LCH youth expenses for this trip! We are grateful to Pastor Diane and the youth of St. Peter’s Episcopal for joining us.
Punahou Academy Fall Semester Parking
The Punahou Academy fall semester began Wednesday, August 15. Student parking began in the LCH Poki Street and church parking lots on that date. All Poki Street lot spaces are reserved for Punahou student parking, Monday through Friday, from 6:00
Please do not park in the Poki Street lot during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. Even if spaces are empty, they are paid for by and reserved for Punahou students. It is recommended that you observe posted “Reserved Parking” signs and park in the church lot, against the LCH office building, during office hours when visiting LCH on regular business days. The church lot parking diagram is included here (left column) for guidance.
Please be aware that cars parked in the church lot after 10:00
Regular Worship Schedule Resumes Sunday, September 2!
18:00 am • Holy Communion
10:30 am • Choral Eucharist
17:30 pm • Compline (First and third Sundays)
2018 LCH Scholarships Awarded
The LCH scholarship committee received seven scholarship applications for 2018. All seven were generously awarded at the level requested by each applicant. Congratulations to 2018 Scholarship Fund awardees:
- Sophia S. (music study award—organ lessons)
- Raphael S. (music study award—organ lessons)
- Miranda Lentz (academic award)
- Lindsey Bell (academic award—seminary)
- Sena Norton (academic award—seminary)
- Dylan DePretto (academic award)
- Savannah McCreary (academic award)
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.
Angel Network In-Gathering
Sunday, September 2
Angel Network is back in operation! 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 2
Nursery hours return to the regular worship schedule in September. However, we are in need of new nursery attendants, as our long-time care givers can no longer be with us. Typically, the nursery is available for children ages 0–5 from 7:45
Godly Play—Sunday School Starts this Month!
Sunday Mornings 9:20–10:20
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 2—The Holy Bible/The Circle of the Church Year
- September 9—Creation
- September 16—The Flood and the Ark
- September 23—The Great Family
- September 30—The Story of Joseph
Leadership Roundtable
Sunday, September 2, 11:45 • 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 2 and 16, 7:30
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.
LCH Office Closed
Labor Day—Monday, September 3
Book of Faith Bible Study
Thursdays, 10:00–11:30 • 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!
LCH Property Work Day
Saturday, September 8, 9:00 –1:00
Property Chair Rich Mundell will lead a workday involving several projects around the LCH campus. We will clean and move a storage shed from the Luther Place apartments, clean out plant beds, repair settling concrete in the courtyard, repair the nave door, and other chores that may come up. Please bring gloves and sturdy shoes. LCH will provide needed tools and materials. Lunch and beverages will be provided. Please contact the church office at lch@lchwelcome.org if you are able to participate.
Holoholo Pick-Up
Tuesdays, September 11 and 25, 2:30–4:00 • LCH Boardroom
Holoholo General Store is a Community Supported Agriculture organization, or
E-Waste Recycling
Saturday, September 15, 9:00 –1:00 • Central Union Church, 1660 South Beretania St.
Plan now for this major recycling event. In addition to e-waste (computers, printers, scanners, TVs), batteries and used cooking oil are acceptable. The event will also benefit several charities such as the Hawai‘i Food Bank, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Dress for Success. They will accept clothing, canned goods, eye glasses, pet food, and other items. Please see the poster announcement in the courtyard for further information. Also, please note the items they cannot accept.
Food for Thought
Saturday, September 15, 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. For more info- rmation, contact the LCH office: 808-941-2566.
Early Music Hawai‘i Season Premier: Treasures of the French Baroque
Saturday, September 15, at 7:30 pm • Lutheran Church of Honolulu
The EMH Singers and Players * Scott Fikse, Director
The musical establishment of 17th century Paris was the envy of all Europe. Beside the grand public orchestral & operatic scene, there was a rich repertory of more personal art songs, entertainment music & sacred works for the court & the elite.
Sacred and secular works by Lully, Dumont, Boesset, Le Jeune, Lambert & Charpentier are “crowned” by Charpentier’s charming chamber opera La Couronne de Fleurs.
The Braeded Chord Coming to Hawai‘i
Sharon Dennis and Doris Au MacDonald, seven-time WAMMY award-winning folk duo, will be making their second tour of Hawai‘i in September and will lead the 8:00
The Braeded Chord has one mission: to make music, faith music in particular, accessible to all. With that, they write, perform, teach, and lead worship and train others to do the same. They write using multiple genres for an intergenerational audience and attempt to reach as many as possible with their music and message. They have toured Ireland, Lebanon, Kenya, and Haiti to perform and teach. Some will remember their first tour to Hawai‘i, in 2008, when they presented the Alleluia Mass, written especially for the Lutheran Church of Honolulu. They have also produced six CDs of their music.
On Saturday, September 8, they will present a workshop on Intergenerational Worship, at Calvary by the Sea Lutheran Church under the auspices of the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians. They will lead the worship at Calvary by the Sea on September 9. They will also lead worship, followed by a concert, at the United Church of Christ on Judd Street, at 10:30
LCH Women’s Book Club
Monday, September 17, 10:00
In September the Book Club will read RU by Kim Thuy, a story of Vietnam. Linda Miller will be leading the discussion. will be meeting at the Murashige’s on September 17 at 10:00. All are welcome. Please contact the church office if you have questions, 808-941-2566.
Writers’ Workshop
Monday, September 17, 4:30
Writers’ Workshop meets in the LCH Boardroom. Further meetings scheduled for October 15, November 12, and December 10. All are welcome. For more information contact the LCH office at 808-941-2566.
IHS Meals Prepared
Thursday, September 20, 8:30 am • LCH Kitchen
Beginning this month, LCH will be preparing sack lunches for our homeless neighbors at the Institute for Human Services (IHS) during alternating months. This continues our 25-plus-year tradition of providing dinner on the third Friday of each month. Other months (including October), volunteers will continue to be needed to serve as shoppers, cooks, and servers. Check the bulletin board by the kitchen for more information about IHS and our long involvement with this human service agency. You may also visit the Institute for Human Services website: www.ihshawaii.org.
Please direct any questions to Jimmy Castro or Carol Langner at church, or call the church office, 808-941-2566, for details. Mahalo to all who help with this ministry to Honolulu’s homeless.
LCH Choir Retreat and Choral Workshop
Saturday, September 22, 10:00 –4:00
The LCH Choir welcomes back special guest, Richard Nace, for our annual choir retreat and as guest conductor at the 10:30 service, on September 23. As one of America’s foremost choral educators and conductors, Mr. Nace is in constant demand as conductor, lecturer, workshop leader, and retreat specialist and is highly regarded for his forward thinking approaches to rehearsal pedagogy, vocal technique, and building individual musicianship. In 2015, ACDA honored him with the “Spiritus Award” for lifetime achievement as conductor and educator throughout North America.
At Scott Fikse’s invitation, Mr. Nace visited Honolulu in 2015, to lead the LCH Choir retreat as well as offer a conducting masterclass for area conductors. The two have been friends since 2010 and look forward with joyful anticipation to their work together. Donations for the cost of this collaboration and retreat are gratefully appreciated. Checks may be made to LCH, with “choir retreat” listed on the memo line.
Mary Magdalene Society
Saturday, September 22, 6:00 • Flatt-Kuntze residence
LGBTQI and friends, please join our potluck supper and game night at the Flatt-Kuntze residence (Luther Place, Apartment C). Please plan to park in the LCH church lot and walk over, as there is no available guest parking at the apartments.
Supper begins at 6:00
For more information, contact Jim Cartwright or Vicar Andy. 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, September 29, 9:30
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).
Edward Shipwright Memorial Piano Fund
The church has an ongoing need for maintenance of our current piano, which is on generous loan from Mark Wong. We also need to plan for eventual purchase of an excellent, permanent piano for LCH.
Therefore, we have established the Edward Shipwright Memorial Piano Fund. Dr. Shipwright was the head of the piano division of the Music Department at UH Mānoa. Many people associated with LCH were students or friends of Ed. The fund will be a fitting memorial to his 50 years of teaching and playing.
Save on Your Taxes!
Under the new tax law, if you give cash or check donations from your personal funds, you will be taxed on them and you may not be able to take the deduction. There are two ways to avoid this.
- Donate directly to LCH from your IRA. If you take money directly from your IRA to give it to LCH, this increases your income and may increase your tax bracket. You may not be able to use the deduction because of the new, higher standard deduction. Give directly by telling your IRA provider to donate to the church—the account representative will do this easily.
- Give appreciated stock directly to LCH. If you sell stock and then donate, it increases your tax bracket, and you may not be able to use the deduction because of the new, higher standard deduction. Instruct your broker to donate directly to LCH.
The church’s legal name and address is:
Lutheran Church of Honolulu (Note: no The in the title)
1730 Punahou Street, Honolulu, HI 96822
If you need the Federal Tax ID (EIN) or if you have questions, please contact Steve Miller. As always, please check with your tax advisors to determine what is appropriate for you.
LutherFest! Save the Date
Saturday, October 27 • Hörmann Courtyard
Pupu hour will begin at 5:30, followed by dinner at 6:00
Offering Fund | Amount | Offering Fund | Amount |
---|---|---|---|
Offering | $5,867 | Music Fund/Instruments | $210 |
Shallow Subsidy | $90 |
HeartBeat Deadline
Tuesday, September 18, 9:00 am
Alfred, Cindy P., Greg, Jennifer, Mel, Piperlynn and her parents,
Jeff F., Kim K., Kirsten, Lee M., Lori L., Shirley, Steve R., Swede, Tammy, Thomas T., Vincent, Vonia
Day | Date | Event and Time |
---|---|---|
Sunday | September 2 | 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 3 | Labor Day—LCH Office Closed |
Wednesday | September 5 | 6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal |
Thursday | September 6 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal |
Saturday | September 8 | 9:00 am, LCH Property Work Day |
Sunday | September 9 | 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist |
Monday | September 10 | 6:00 pm, Worship & Music Meeting |
Tuesday | September 11 | 2:30 pm, Holoholo pick-up |
Wednesday | September 12 | 6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal |
Thursday | September 13 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal |
Saturday | September 15 | 7:30 pm, Early Music Hawaii Concert |
Sunday | September 16 | 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 7:30 pm, Compline |
Monday | September 17 | 10:00 am, Women’s Book Club 4:30 pm, Writers’ Workshop |
Tuesday | September 18 | HeartBeat Submissions Deadline |
Wednesday | September 19 | 12:30 pm, Finance Committee Meeting 6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal |
Thursday | September 20 | 8:30 am, Sack lunches prepared for service at IHS 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal |
Saturday | September 22 | 10:00 am, LCH Choir Retreat 6:00 pm, Mary Magdalene Society |
Sunday | September 23 | 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist |
Tuesday | September 25 | 2:30 pm, Holoholo pick-up 6:30 pm, Council Meeting |
Wednesday | September 26 | 6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal |
Thursday | September 27 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal |
Saturday | September 29 | 9:30 am, One Pot One Hope |
Sunday | September 30 | 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 5:30 pm, Joint Evensong, St. Andrew’s |