HeartBeat—February 2019

From Pastor Jeff

New Year, New Eyes

December 31 marks many ends. It’s the last day of the year, the last chance to make charitable contributions, the end of the fiscal year and, in some years, the end of an era. The fleeting last seconds of December tick somberly away, noticed only as a necessary precursor to coming festivities. Then it happens. With a tiny movement of the clock’s minute hand, one year ends and another is born. Symbolically, the old year—with its disappointments, sadness, laughter, joy, failures, and successes—slides away behind us like a wake, and the new year dawns with all its unknowns, possibilities, and unrealized dreams. And so, we begin again.

Often, the new year begins with personal commitments to more exercise, a healthier diet, and for a few, a deeper spirituality. But too often, our resolutions give way to reality, and we find ourselves back where we were before those last precious seconds of December ticked away. We are creatures whose habits are hard to break. Perhaps we drift back over our own wake because we see the dawn of the new year through the same eyes we used for the old year. Perhaps the vivid colors and possibilities of the new year take on the tired hues of the old year, and thus, we return to our habitual courses.

When Jesus begins his ministry, those around him seem to see him with old eyes. Although he brings a new word, a new hope, and a new relationship with God, those around him seem only to perceive a mere prophet, teacher, healer, and carpenter’s son. They do not see, in Jesus, the presence of God, Emanuel, God with us. It is only after water turns to wine at the wedding at Cana, the first epiphany in the Gospel of John, that the disciples see him through new eyes. He is revealed to them in a new and compelling way that will change their lives and, eventually, the world. Jesus calls them and us to open our eyes and see, with our hearts, the new kingdom that God is calling into existence through grace, healing, and love.

Imagine the surprise of the first disciples when Jesus leaves Cana and encounters a man possessed by a demon. He sees the man in a way they do not see, and he restores him to community. Imagine how scandalized they must have been when he cared for a woman caught in the act of adultery and their disgust when he healed the untouchable leper. In time, his disciples will see with new eyes, and they too will be changed.

As the new year unfolds, I know I need to see with the apostles’ new eyes, and I hope you will join me in discerning what our loving God has in store for us. The people of LCH have always been more willing than most to see anew what God is up to and to listen for what God may be calling us to in the future. It is so easy to become comfortable in our own wake and accustomed to what is familiar. We become comfortable with what we know and enjoy customary practices and patterns. But, in this new year, I hope we can widen our field of vision to better see what God is calling us to.

The world is shifting and changing, if only we have eyes to see. God is opening up new courses for us to steer, if only we can discern them. God is leading us to a dawn, if only we can stretch to see. As we move into this new year, I hope you will partner with congregational leadership as we evaluate our ministry, our staff, and my pastoral leadership to see what new horizons God might be calling us to and to see with new eyes the epiphanies God is laying out before us.

Blessing and peace,
Pastor Jeff

From Vicar Andy

Siblings in Christ,

When I first met Pastor Jeff, at PLTS’s intern-supervisor retreat, he mentioned the possibility of experiencing other ministry settings/contexts during my internship at LCH. Consequently, I will be traveling to Southern California to observe a large-scale operation congregation and a small mission-start. I will be off island from the February 6 through February 26. Without a doubt, I am sure to gain a great deal of knowledge and insight. Each site is also having me preach while I am there.

Even in my physical absence from LCH in February, I am still working on numerous projects. A huge mahalo to you all, as a congregation, for embracing my ideas when it comes to ministry opportunities. Numerous people encouraged me to put down all my experiences and make sure to put them in my rostered ministry profile, which is basically the resume for ELCA pastors.

See you in church,
Vicar Andy

Family Promise: Shallow Subsidy

In August 2017, LCH joined with Family Promise to support a program called Shallow Subsidy, which assists homeless families with a monthly financial subsidy to help with the high costs of rental housing. The total subsidy of $3,600 runs for a year, during which time the family is expected to become self-supporting. LCH has now sponsored three subsidies. Here’s a brief report on our involvement in the program

Our first subsidy was for a single mother and four children. As the year drew to a close, she realized that she would have to move to a cheaper place. She was able to do that, and the family is now stable in their second apartment. LCH helped with up-front costs for this second apartment, in addition to the original subsidy.

Our second subsidy was for a husband and wife and three children. This family was accepted into the new Kahauiki Village, and they are thriving. The emphasis on community living and sharing suits them very well, and they are happy and grateful to have a place to call home.

For our third subsidy, we donated a portion of the funds to assist our first family in securing a new unit with lesser rent. The family is reportedly doing well in their new place (see info above).

As of September 19, 2018, the remaining $2,125 had not been assigned. FP was planning on using it for one family, but that did not pan out, as the family actually secured six months of full rental assistance through an alternative government support program!

Samantha Church, the executive director of Family Promise, approached the LCH Council with a new proposal, described in an email dated September 17, 2018: “In other news, we actually recently were awarded a new grant fund from an organization called Help Us Move, along with American Savings Bank, to support rental subsidies for our families! The caveat is that we have to raise $20,000 from the community as a match for them to release the funds to us. Would it be possible to use the remaining $2,125 from the funding received from you folks to go towards this challenge? It’s called the Homeless No More Challenge. The money will still go directly towards a rental subsidy for another family in our program. The only change would be that with all the money we receive through the Homeless No More Challenge we are only able to give each family up to $700 in assistance, so with the remaining $2,125 we would be able to help three more families. Here’s a bit more info: familypromisehawaii.org/getinvolved/homelessnomore/”

Samantha informed us, in a follow-up email, January 15, 2019: “Our Homeless No More Challenge has raised $22,000! So far, we have helped house 6 families through the funds, including 15 children. One of the families, Michelle and her sisters, were about to be evicted from their home, but our team worked with them to keep them in housing!”

Therefore, through the Shallow Subsidy program, LCH has assisted eight families, including 22 children, into stable housing, for a contribution of $10,800!

We are able to fund a fourth Shallow Subsidy and are waiting for word about that from Family Promise. In the meantime, we continue to receive contributions from members and friends to help support our involvement in this collaboration with Family Promise. If you’d like to be involved, a one-time or monthly contribution, in any amount, is most welcome. Be sure to indicate that your gift should go to Family Promise (indicate on check memo line). A huge thank you to all who have supported our involvement with Family Promise!

LCH Office Closed

During the Punahou Carnival, Friday, February 1

Irregular Office Hours

February 8 through March 1

LCH parish administrator, Anne Sing, will be out of the office for three weeks, starting Friday, February 8. Vicar Andrew Flatt-Kunze will be traveling to churches on the mainland during the month of February as well. Office hours during the month of February will be irregular. Pastor Jeff, along with occasional LCH volunteers, will cover the office as much as possible but he is often called away from the office on church business.

If you are visiting the office, please call first to be sure that someone is available to assist you. If you need to contact the office, please leave a message on voicemail, and someone will get back to you as quickly as possible. Please refer to your HeartBeat newsletter, eNews, weekly LCHNews announcements, LCH Facebook page, and the LCH website for news and updates.

Youth Fundraiser Mahalo!

Thank you to our volunteers for your support of a successful youth fundraiser! Your gift of time and energy made it possible for us to put the LCH parking lots to good use, providing families with convenient and secure parking while they enjoyed the Punahou Carnival, across the street.

A special thank you goes to the Fundraiser Coordinators, Julie Cummings and Rich Mundell, who spent their weekend at LCH supporting our volunteers and making sure that the event ran smoothly and safely. Thanks also to Jerelyn Watanabe and Nathalie Jones for coordinating volunteers.

All proceeds from the fundraiser make it possible for our youth to attend life-changing regional and national conferences!

Angel Network In-Gathering

Sunday, February 3

On the first Sunday of each month, an in-gathering of food and personal items is collected at LCH for Angel Network, a ministry based out of Calvary-by-the-Sea Lutheran Church. The items are taken to Angel Network during the following week. Over 2,500 individuals are served monthly through this program. We are grateful for your generosity and support.

Adult Forum

Sundays in February, 9:20 am • LCH Boardroom

Adult Forum continues its study of the Psalms this month. Please bring your refreshments and join us in the boardroom. The current schedule for February is:

• February 3—Final session on Psalms
• February 10—Faith and Arts readings
• February 17—The Five Major Categories of Love
• February 24—The Five Major Categories of Love

The Five Major Categories of Love

Marsha Schweitzer will lead discussion of The Five Major Categories of Love, as described by the ancient Greeks and in the Kundalini Yoga of ancient India. Jesus had something to say about love, too—about agape, the love of God. We will look at passages in Matthew, Luke, and John that illuminate the Christian view of love and how it parallels the views of the earlier cultures in Greece and India.

Please bring your refreshments and join us in the LCH boardroom.

Godly Play—Sunday School

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 February:

• February 3—Parable of the Mustard Seed
• February 10— St. Valentine object box
• February 17— Parable of the Good Samaritan
• February 24—Parable of the Good Shepherd

Leadership Roundtable

Sunday, February 3, 11:45 am • LCH Boardroom

Committee chairs and team leaders, please plan to gather for a short (45 minute) meeting. This is an opportunity for us to sit down together and share information on what is happening with all the ministries at LCH. If you are a committee or team leader, please be prepared to share a little information on your activities with the group. Mahalo and see you there!

Compline

Sundays, February 3 and 17, 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.

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!

Process Forum

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

Process Forum meets on the second Saturday of February. Discussion and fellowship is our usual fare—nourishing, fun, thought provoking. Our discussion topic will be available soon, so you can get an early peek if you wish. Our usual source for material is the website openhorizons.org. We explore theology and philosophy through the Process lens. Process Thought is based on the work of Alfred North Whitehead, an early 20th Century philosopher and mathematician, whose work continues to attract a global following. All are invited, no experience necessary.

Confirmation Preparation Classes

Sundays, February 3, 10, 17, & 24, 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.

Fifteenth Annual Faith and Arts Sunday

Sunday, February 10 • Hörmann Courtyard

On February 10, we will have the fifteenth 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 3: 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 7: the item(s) (to be held in a safe place until it is put up on Saturday, February 9).

Contact Linda Miller with questions or to say “Yes” to this opportunity.

Friends with Farms Produce Pick-Up

Tuesdays, February 12 & 26, 2:30–4:00 pm • LCH Boardroom

Friends with Farms 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.

IHS Brown Bag Meal Prep

Thursday, February 14, 8:00 am • LCH Isenberg Hall

This month, we are preparing brown bag meals to transport to IHS for distribution. Enjoy fellowship time with other members while assembling 400 sandwiches and brown-bag meals. Pastries will be available, and there will be plenty of coffee to keep the assembly lively.

To participate in this month’s meal preparation or for additional information, you may contact the LCH office. Another driver with a van or SUV is needed to help transport meals. Please join the group on February 14, if you are available to help. To learn more about the Institute for Human Services, visit their website at www.ihshawaii.org.

Food for Thought

Saturday, February 16, 5:30–8:00 pm

Food for Thought meets at the home of David Hörmann. All are welcome for potluck supper, video, and discussion. Additional gatherings are scheduled for Saturdays: March 16, April 13, and May 18. For more information, contact the LCH office at 808-941-2566.

LCH Office Closed

Presidents’ Day, observed, Monday, February 18

LCH Women’s Book Club

Monday, February 18, 10:00 am

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

Writers’ Workshop

Monday, February 18, 4:30 pm

Writers’ Workshop meets in the LCH Boardroom. The next Monday meeting is scheduled for March 18. All are welcome. For more information contact the LCH office at 808-941-2566.

One Pot, One Hope

Saturday, February 23, 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).

Mary Magdalene Society

Saturday, February 23 • at the Riingen-Russel residence

LGBTQI and friends, please join our February potluck supper and social, which will be hosted by Rudy Riingen and Mark Russell at their home. Mark or Rudy will provide directions, parking instructions, and the start time. Carpooling is encouraged from LCH, if possible.

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!

Ash Wednesday Worship

March 6 + 7:30 pm • in the Nave

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 re-center our thoughts and spirit on what truly matters. As we gather around the communion table in worship on Ash Wednesday, we see our neighbor with the same smudged cross on her head, recall that our mortality is joined to hers forever in Christ, and remember that together we share the joy of life with all of God’s world.

Lenten Soup and Salad Suppers

Wednesdays, March 13, 20, 27, April 3, and 10 at 6:00 pm • in the Hörmann Courtyard

Please join in this wonderful time of fellowship and prayer, beginning each Wednesday of Lent with a simple soup and salad supper. Suppers are served at 6:00 pm, prior to 7:00 pm Lenten services in the nave. 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.

Two Synod Representatives Needed!

Friday and Saturday, May 10 and 11 • Palm Desert, CA

Two voting members from the LCH congregation, one man and one woman, are needed to attend the Pacifica Synod Assembly, May 10–11, at Hope Lutheran Church in Palm Desert, California. Travel and accommodations are paid for by LCH.

If you are interested in attending this year, please consult last year’s delegates, Willow Chang or Marcus Fikse, for more details about this commitment. Please speak with Pastor Jeff or a member of the council if you are interested in fulfilling this short but important opportunity.

‘Ohana Gatherings

Exciting news! For my internship project, I am bringing back the ‘Ohana Gatherings in March, April, and May. These informal gatherings are potluck events that offer an opportunity for us to gather for community and fellowship.

In order to make these successful, I am looking for hosts and participants. My hope is to keep these gatherings localized, with the host’s home as a base within an O‘ahu region or neighborhood.

If you are interested in hosting one of these gatherings or attending a gathering in the month of March, please email me at vicar.andy@lchwelcome.org.

Please, also contact me if you have any further questions or inquires. More information will be forthcoming.

Mahalo,
Vicar Andy

Photos from German Vespers, January 1

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 December

Offering Fund	Amount	Offering Fund	Amount
Offering	$6,112	Music Fund/Instruments	$234
Shallow Subsidy	$90	Capital Improvements	$98

Attendance and Offerings for January

Date	Worship Service	Attendance	Offering Fund	Amount
January 1	German Vespers	99	Music Fund	$460
January 6	8:00 am Service	49	Offering	$1,600
	10:30 am Service	91	Shallow Subsidy	$50
	Compline	29	Social Ministries/IHS	$10
	Total	169	Music/Instruments	$410
January 13	8:00 am Service	50	Offering	$2,866
	10:30 am Service	73	Social Ministries/IHS	$30
	Total	123	Shallow Subsidy	$130
			Music Fund	$40
January 20	8:00 am Service	50	Offering	$1,597
	10:30 am Service	78	Shallow Subsidy	$130
	Compline	35	Music Fund/Instruments	$10
	Total	163
January 27	8:00 am Service	48	Offering	$3,183
	10:30 am Service	83	Altar Flowers	$90
	Total	131	Wounded Warriors/IHS	$40
			Music Fund	$20
			Shallow Subsidy	$10

HeartBeat Deadline

Tuesday, February 19, 9:00 am

Ed K., Ray P., Swede, and Wayne G.

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

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 3	February 10	February 27	February 24
LECTOR	Peggy Anderson	Jimmy Castro	Cindy Scheinert	Amanda Lippert
ASSISTING MINISTER	Bobby Broyles	Amanda Lippert	Laurie Leach	Peggy Anderson
COMMUNION ASSISTANTS	Phyllis Hörmann Peggy Anderson Chuck Huxel	Bobby Broyles Kyra Takamiya Laurie Leach	Kyra Takamiya Chuck Huxel Peggy Anderson	Amanda Lippert Stephanie Luuloa Phyllis Hörmann
ACOLYTE	Dylan D.	Hunter N.	Dylan D.	Hunter N.
LAYING ON HANDS		Stephanie Luuloa
USHERS	Fred Benco Billie Jean Ries Dylan D.		COUNCIL in CHARGE	Carol Langner
Choral Eucharist (10:30 am)
DATE	February 3	February 10	February 27	February 24
LECTOR	Cathy Baptista	Roy Helms	Peter Flachsbart	Peggy Brandt
DEACON	Julie Cummings	Jeanne Castello	Frank Haas	Walter Cummings
SUB-DEACON	Frank Haas	John Bickel	Mary Fastenau	Marcus Fikse
COMMUNION ASSISTANTS	Sue Haas Marcus Fikse	Teresa McCreary Chuck Pearson	Jim Cartwright Sue Haas	Bob Tellander Julie Cummings
ACOLYTE	Rebecca L.	Iara N.	Rebecca N.	Mary Fastenau
LAYING ON HANDS		Juditha Murashige
USHERS	Peter Flachsbart Bill Fay Chuck Huxel		ALTAR GUILD	Josie Bidgood Stephanie Luuloa Lois Watanabe Juditha Murashige Nicole Muffley Lori McDonald

Calendar: February 2019

Day	Date	Event and Time
Friday	February 1	LCH OFFICE Closed Punahou Carnival—LCH Youth Parking Fundraiser
Saturday	February 2	Punahou Carnival—LCH Youth Parking Fundraiser
Sunday	February 3	Angel Network In-Gathering 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 11:45 am, Leadership Roundtable 7:30 pm, Compline
Wednesday	February 6	6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal
Thursday	February 7	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Friday	February 8	Begin irregular LCH office hours through March 1
Saturday	February 9	9:00 am, Process Forum 3:00 pm, Nā Wai Women’s Choral Festival
Sunday	February 10	Faith & Arts Sunday 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 11:45 am, Confirmation Class
Monday	February 11	6:00 pm, Worship & Music Meeting
Tuesday	February 12	2:30 pm, Friends with Farms Pick-up
Wednesday	February 13	6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal
Thursday	February 14	8:00 am, IHS Sandwich Assembly 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Saturday	February 16	4:00 pm, Music Studio Student Recital 5:30 pm, Food for Thought
Sunday	February 17	8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 11:45 am, Confirmation Class 7:30 pm, Compline
Monday	February 18	LCH OFFICE Closed—Presidents’ Day, observed 10:00 am, LCH Women’s Book Club 4:30 pm, Writers’ Workshop
Tuesday	February 19	HeartBeat Submissions Deadline
Wednesday	February 20	12:30 pm, Finance Committee Meeting 6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal
Thursday	February 21	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Saturday	February 23	9:30 am, One Pot One Hope 6:00 pm, Mary Magdalene Society Gathering
Sunday	February 24	8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 11:45 am, Confirmation Class
Tuesday	February 26	2:30 pm, Friends with Farms Pick-up 6:00 pm, Executive Council Meeting 6:30 pm, LCH Council Meeting
Wednesday	February 27	6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal
Thursday	February 28	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal