HeartBeat—January 2019

From Pastor Jeff

The Perfect Tree

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till he appear’d and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

So, take a look at your Christmas tree tonight. What story does it tell amidst it’s twinkling lights?

May God bless and keep you this Christmas season.
Pastor Jeff

From Vicar Andy

Greetings Lutheran Church of Honolulu Family,

Can you believe it is already 2019!? The last year has flown by, as I went from being a student at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary to being your vicar/intern pastor! In fact, on January 15, I will have been here for six months. Inconceivable!

December was a busy month, with Advent on-goings and Christmas tidings. LCH does a lot during the month of December; much of the month is a blur to me. I am forever thankful to those who encouraged, assisted, checked-in, and affirmed me during this time. While I participated in many programs and activities, I also learned a great deal about how to approach one of the busiest times of the year.

Finally, I have some exciting news! As some of you already know, my parents are coming out for a week later this month. (Their flight arrives January 22.) They have wanted to come to Hawai‘i for quite some time now, and Justin and I are excited to see them!

See you in church,
Vicar Andy

A Message from Your Stewardship Team

It’s a new year, try something new!

As we begin 2019, we might ask what new things God is doing or will do in this New Year. We also might ask how we will be moved to listen and respond. Dare we step outside of our comfort zones?

Take on the challenge: It’s a new year; try something new! Yes, it is a challenge because we often find comfort in the familiar and unchanging. However, trying something slightly different from our “usual routine” allows us new insights and perspectives, just as walking instead of driving or having fruit instead of cake can ignite a shift. We on the stewardship team invite you to try something new in 2019! LCH offers so many activities, small groups, and opportunities to grow, as well as serve. No need to commit forever—engage in something new for a trial period of 1, 2, or 3 months.

Dropping in to a new-to-you group, here at LCH, or sharing with us your talents and resources will allow you to connect with others and the Spirit in immeasurable ways! What do you hope to find, and who will you become?

Here are just a few opportunities:

• Be a real LCH hero and get in step with the Property Committee.
• Take the personal challenge and find your way onto the LCH Council.
• Try a meeting of the Mary Magdalene Society, or come dine and discuss issues at Food for Thought.
• Do some deep thinking with the Process Forum, or sashay on over to the Writers’ Workshop.
• There’s IHS and One Pot One Hope to get you started in social ministry.
• Sing with one of the choirs.
• Help design liturgy and services with the Worship and Music Committee.
• There’s also the Finance Committee, if you have a knack for finance and accounting.
• Design an Adult Forum class (consult with Pastor Jeff).
• Communications and Social Ministry committees always welcome fresh talent and perspectives.
• Bring your skills to revive an In Stitches group or connect with the Altar Guild that prepares our worship space each Sunday.
• You might try serving as an usher, a communion assistant, lector, deacon, or sub-deacon.
• Oh, and did we mention the weekly Bible Study group, or the monthly Women’s Book Club?
• Join us on the Stewardship Team—we’ll be at it all year and we really appreciate new perspectives!

Just think, all free, all painless, all rewarding, all constructive, all helpful, any and all yours for the taking, all working toward the sharing of our varied and extensive gifts. This is what LCH is all about. “It’s a new year—try something new!” The LCH Stewardship Team encourages you to simply “try something new,” develop new perspectives, and perhaps find new purpose. However, trying something new often requires some instruction or mentoring. You might be a mentor, or you might appreciate someone mentoring you. To that end, in January we will be asking all to take an asset or gift inventory of your gifts and interests. What gifts or skills can you share with others? What new gifts or skills would you like to develop or at least try? As you try something new and develop new perspectives, imagine how it might strengthen the bonds and assets within our church ‘ohana so we can better serve the larger community.

Step up to the plate—it’s a new year, try something new!

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.

LCH Office Closed

New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day—Monday & Tuesday, December 31 & January 1

Committee Chairs!

If you have not yet sent your annual committee report to the office, please do so as soon as possible. It’s time to begin compiling the Annual Report! Direct any questions to the office at 808-941-2566 or email lch@LCHwelcome.org.

The Nuts and Bolts of Donating to LCH

Offering Envelopes, Simply Giving, Checks, and Even Cash

We are grateful for the faithful support of our members and friends that makes it possible for us to witness to God’s love and share the good news with each other, our neighbors, and the world.

Offering Envelopes—New envelopes are available at LCH for those who have been using them over the last year. If you would like to start using envelopes and want a box of envelopes for your contributions, please sign up on the list next to the box with envelopes or let the Church Office know, and a box will be made ready for you.

Simply Giving—Many of our members donate using Simply Giving, a system for electronic funds transfer, or EFT. If you are a current user and want to change the amount or schedule for your EFT contributions, or if you want to start out with Simply Giving, just fill out a new Simply Giving form available near the box of envelopes or in the ushers’ stand. See Bill Potter or contact the Church Office if you have any questions about Simply Giving.

Checks and Cash—Of course, you do not need a box of envelopes or EFT to contribute. You are welcome to just drop your check in the offering plate without putting it in an envelope, or to put your check or cash in a plain envelope from home or one of the envelopes provided in the pews. Because your name is on the check, we don’t need an envelope to credit your donation for tax purposes, but if you want your cash donations credited, please use an envelope. Please do not drop donations in the mite box.

Much mahalo for your donations and for all the ways you support LCH in doing God’s work.

German Vespers

Tuesday, January 1 • 4:00 pm

German Vespers is a tradition at the Lutheran Church of Honolulu that began in 2002. Paying homage to the church’s German heritage, the service is completely auf Deutsch. The LCH Choir, Bach Chamber Orchestra, and soloists will present choral works with orchestra including a New Year’s Cantata by Telemann. We welcome back the Rev. Anke Flohr as presider for this festival worship. All are welcome. Free-will offering accepted.

Book of Faith Bible Study

Thursdays, 10:00–11:45 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 engaging fellowship and discussion!

Angel Network In-Gathering

Sunday, January 6

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 Begins the New Year!

Sunday School 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 January:

• January 6—Ephiphany
• January 13— Holy Baptism
• January 20— Parable of the Great Banquet
• January 27—Parable of the Sower

Leadership Roundtable

Sunday, January 6, 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!

Confirmation Preparation Classes

Sundays, January 6, 13, 20, & 27, 11:45 am • LCH Rainbow Room

Confirmation is 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 or Vicar Andy.

Epiphany Compline

Sunday, January 6, 7:30 pm

Join the LCH Men’s Schola for a peaceful meditative experience, including Gregorian chant and Renaissance polyphony, to begin the New Year.

Friends with Farms Produce Pick-Up

Tuesdays, December 8 & 22, 2:30–4:00 pm • LCH Boardroom

Friends with Farms (formerly Holoholo General Store) is a Community Supported Agriculture organization, or csa, that works with LCH to bring you fresh, farm direct produce from multiple, local farms. For more information visit their website at www.FriendsWithFarms.com for bag options or pricing and to sign up.

Process Forum

Saturday, January 12, 9:30 am • LCH Boardroom

Please join us in the LCH Boardroom as the Process Forum welcomes the new year with our usual get-together, on the second Saturday of the month. Topic to be announced. All are welcome to join in our lively discussions.

Mary Magdalene Society

Saturday, January 12, 2:00 to 7:30 pm • Pastor Steve Jensen’s home

LGBTQI and friends, Pastor Steve Jensen hosts the next gathering at his home in Kailua, where we’ll play outdoor games and go boating on the streams in his area. Potluck supper at 6:00 pm. Help with set up and cleanup is greatly appreciated. Please bring a food item to share.

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.

Food for Thought

Saturday, January 12, 5:30–8:00 pm

Food for Thought meets for the first gathering of 2019 at the home of David Hörmann. All are welcome for potluck supper, video, and discussion. Our first gathering in the new year is scheduled for Saturday, January 12. For more information, contact the LCH office at 808-941-2566.

IHS Meals Prepared and Served

Friday, January 18, 1:00 pm prep/5:30 pm serve

LCH will shop, cook, and serve our monthly hot meal to Honolulu’s homeless. This is part of our 25-plus-year tradition of providing dinner on the third Friday of each month. Volunteers are 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 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.

Annual Congregational Meeting, Part 2

Sunday, January 20, 9:15 am • LCH Courtyard

Part 2 of the 2018–19 Annual Meeting is scheduled for January 20. The main business is to approve a final budget for the new year. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend, but only members in good standing may vote. Please plan to attend!

Compline

Sunday, January 20, 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.

LCH Office Closed

Martin Luther King, Jr’s Birthday, observed—Monday, January 21

LCH Women’s Book Club

Monday, January 21, 10:00 am

We will meet at the Murashige’s. Book selection will be announced at a later date. Newcomers are welcome. Please contact the church office if you have questions, 808-941-2566.

Writers’ Workshop

Monday, January 21, 4:30 pm

Writers’ Workshop meets in the LCH Boardroom. This is our first meeting of 2019 All are welcome. For more information contact the LCH office at 808-941-2566.

One Pot, One Hope

Saturday, January 26, 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. Chili donations are appreciated, #10 sized cans (from Costco or Sam’s Club).

Volunteers needed—Youth Fundraiser!

Punahou Carnival Parking • Friday & Saturday, February 1 & 2

Each year the LCH youth request your help with their Punahou Carnival Parking fundraiser. The carnival takes place every year on the first Friday and Saturday of February. 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 the 8:00 and 10:30 am 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!

Christmas blessings from our wounded, ill, and injured and their families!

We thank members of our congregations for the many and varied ways they have assisted us in the past year. Not only did you contribute to allow us to respond to emergent needs, but you also provided gift cards that assist extended families who come for emergencies or those here who sometimes have insufficient funds to celebrate birthdays or Christmas with gifts for their children. Moreover, many of you use your memberships in various organizations, or ‘ohana relationships, to make opportunities available throughout the year for family day events, holiday celebrations, “day on the bay,” museum tours, art lessons, emergency car repairs, and so much more.

We may have fewer military members in combat these days, but training and deployments are still hazardous, and exposure to dangerous materials in foreign countries cause injury and illness that can be devastating—for the member and for their families. Post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury adversely affect veterans, and their loved ones, for years to come. Caregivers are stretched to the breaking point far too often, and relationships disintegrate, leaving children scarred.

Burn-pit smoke inhaled for months at a time and exposure to nuclear, biological, and chemical materials are increasingly resulting in cancers and blood diseases. Medical researchers are only now beginning to investigate the long-term adverse impact on those immunized against anthrax and other diseases. These are immunizations that most civilians are never required to have.

While our Wounded Warrior ministry continues to adapt as needs change, the emphasis at present is on assisting those transitioning back to civilian life. Disability determinations, claims, and pensions do not happen quickly or without hiccups. Jobs and school are often difficult for those who have attention span or memory issues or who simply do not seem to connect with peers who have never served, much less having been exposed to the horrors of war or large-scale humanitarian assistance.

There are so many individuals and organizations deserving of our attention and contributions throughout the year, but especially during the holidays. We encourage you to give as your heart leads you. If you wish to donate to the Wounded Warrior ministry at Lutheran Church of Honolulu, we will be most appreciative. We also invite you to drop off or send in any gift cards you receive or have on hand that you will not use. They make a big difference for some of our families during the holiday season. A few suggestions for gift cards:

• Cards we can use at Tripler are Starbucks and Subway.
• Cards for families in crisis are Visa gift cards, gas cards, Walmart, Safeway, etc.
• Cards for kids’ birthdays and other celebrations are Chuck E. Cheese, Dave & Busters, movie theaters, and family restaurants.

Mahalo nui loa! May God richly bless you as we celebrate the birth of the Christ.

Warmest aloha,
Pr. Steve Jensen “Chaps”

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.

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.

Electronic Funds Transfers for November

Offering Fund	Amount	Offering Fund	Amount
Offering	$6,112	Music Fund/Instruments	$284
Shallow Subsidy	$90	Capital Improvements	$98

Attendance and Offerings for December

Date	Worship Service	Attendance	Offering Fund	Amount
December 2	8:00 am Service	51	Offering	$9,239
	10:30 am Service	79	Shallow Subsidy	$150
	Advent Procession	128	Social Ministries/IHS	$40
	Total	258	Altar Flowers	$63
December 9	8:00 am Service	56	Offering	$5,439
	10:30 am Service	74	Social Ministries/IHS	$62
	Total	120	Wounded Warriors	$1,080
			Altar Flowers	$211
			Music Fund/Special Worship	$221
			Capital Improvements	$248
			Shallow Subsidy	$140
			Domestic Relief	$25
			Scholarship	$25
December 16	8:00 am Service	48	Offering	$7,454
	10:30 am Service	72	Shallow Subsidy	$100
	Compline	32	Social Ministries/IHS	$30
	Total	152	Music Fund/Instruments	$250
			Altar Flowers	$180
			Wounded Warriors	$25
			Pew Chair Fund	$50
December 23	8:00 am Service	50	Offering	$3,633
	10:30 am Service	75	Domestic Relief	$25
	Total	125	Social Ministries/IHS	$62
			Music Fund	$20
			Scholarships	$25
December 24–25	5:00 pm Service	95	Offering	$3,633
	10:30 pm Service	102	Domestic Relief	$25
	10:30 am Service	75	Domestic Relief	$25
	Total	272	Social Ministries/IHS	$62
Attendance and Offerings for December 30 not available at the time of this publication.

HeartBeat Deadline

Tuesday, January 22, 9:00 am

Alfred, Cindy P., Greg, Jennifer, Jeff F., Kathy J., Kim K.,
Kirsten, Lori L., Rusty W., Shirley, Steve R., Swede, Tammy,
Thomas T., Vincent, Vonia

It is time to refresh the Prayer Requests list for the new year.
If you have a friend or loved one who should remain on the
list into 2019, we are glad to keep them in prayer. Please call
or email the office to let us know who we should keep
in prayer.

January Birthdays

01/03	Jeanne Castello
01/05	Fred Benco
01/06	Angie Niermann
01/06	Matthew Sato
01/12	Allen Bauchle
01/12	Mary Kubota
01/12	Michael Okikawa
01/17	Palmyra Hethcote
01/20	Robert Raasch
01/22	Chuck Huxel
01/23	Jim Niermann
01/29	Marcus Fikse

LCH Worship Participants

Holy Communion (8:00 am)
DATE	January 6	January 13	January 20	January 27
LECTOR	Chuck Huxel	Jimmy Castro	Carolyn Koehler	Cindy Scheinert
ASSISTING MINISTER	Bobby Broyles	Sophia S.	Peggy Anderson	Laurie Leach
COMMUNION ASSISTANTS	Amanda Lippert Stephanie Luuloa Chuck Huxel	Peggy Anderson Phyllis Hörmann Laurie Leach	Bobby Broyles Amanda Lippert Chuck Huxel	Sophia S. Stephanie Luuloa Phyllis Hörmann
ACOLYTE	Dylan D.	Raphael S.	Hunter N.	Raphael S.
LAYING ON HANDS		Stephanie Luuloa
USHERS	Fred Benco Billie Jean Ries Dylan D.		COUNCIL in CHARGE	Josie Bidgood
Choral Eucharist (10:30 am)
DATE	January 6	January 13	January 20	January 27
LECTOR	Peter Flachsbart	Juditha Murashige	Peggy Brandt	Angie Niermann
DEACON	Josie Bidgood	Teresa McCreary	Frank Haas	Walter Cummings
SUB-DEACON	Marcus Fikse	Frank Haas	Mary Fastenau	Julie Cummings
COMMUNION ASSISTANTS	Bob Tellander Chuck Pearson	Jim Cartwright Randy Christensen	Josie Bidgood Sue Haas	Teresa McCreary Randy Christensen
ACOLYTE	Rebecca L.	Mary F.	Iara N.	Coco J.
LAYING ON HANDS		Juditha Murashige
USHERS	Peter Flachsbart Bill Fay Chuck Huxel		ALTAR GUILD	Linda Miller Lori Nishimura Marjan Lynch Marlise Tellander

Calendar: January 2019

Day	Date	Event and Time
Monday	December 31	LCH OFFICE Closed—New Year’s Eve
Tuesday	January 1	LCH OFFICE Closed—New Year’s Day 4:00 pm, German Vespers
Thursday	January 3	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting
Sunday	January 6	Ephiphany of Our Lord Angel Network In-Gathering 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Holy Communion 11:45 am, Confirmation Class 11:45 am, Leadership Roundtable 7:30 pm, Compline
Tuesday	January 8	2:30 pm, Friends with Farms Pick-up
Wednesday	January 9	6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal
Thursday	January 10	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting
Saturday	January 12	9:30 am, Process Forum 2:00 pm, Mary Magdalene Society Gathering 5:30 pm, Food for Thought
Sunday	January 13	Baptism of Our Lord 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Holy Communion 11:45 am, Confirmation Class
Monday	January 14	6:00 pm, Worship & Music Meeting
Wednesday	January 16	12:30 pm, Finance Committee Meeting 6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal
Thursday	January 17	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting
Friday	January 18	1:00 pm, IHS Meals Prepared 5:30 pm, IHS Meals Served
Saturday	January 19	7:30 pm, Early Music Hawaii Concert at LCH
Sunday	January 20	8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:15 am, Second Half of the LCH Annual Meeting 9:20 am, Sunday School 10:30 am, Holy Communion 11:45 am, Confirmation Class 7:30 pm, Compline
Monday	January 21	LCH OFFICE Closed—MLK Day, observed 10:00 am, LCH Women’s Book Club 4:30 pm, Writers’ Workshop
Tuesday	January 22	HeartBeat Submissions Deadline 2:30 pm, Friends with Farms Pick-up 6:00 pm, Executive Council Meeting 6:30 pm, LCH Council Meeting
Wednesday	January 23	6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal
Thursday	January 24	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting
Saturday	January 26	9:30 am, One Pot One Hope
Sunday	January 27	Reconciling in Christ Sunday 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Holy Communion 11:45 am, Confirmation Class
Wednesday	January 30	6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal
Thursday	January 31	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting
Friday	February 1	LCH OFFICE Closed Punahou Carnival—LCH Youth Parking Fundraiser
Saturday	February 2	Punahou Carnival—LCH Youth Parking Fundraiser