HeartBeat—March 2019

From Pastor Jeff

Climate and Change

Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin? Isaiah 58:6–7

If you have watched the news, even casually, over the past year you will have noticed the baffling weather records being set all around the world. Snow is falling in the desert, Minnesotans are seen walking around in shorts in January, and even here in Hawai‘i, record rain caused historic floods on Kaua‘i. Over the objections of naysayers, nature continues to evolve and change in ways that, according to scientists, threaten human existence.

Despite mounting scientific evidence that humans have a role in climate change, some people insist that this is all fake news, that there is no global climate change, and that even if there is some slight change going on, certainly the human race, industrialization, unfettered consumption, and unchecked pollution have nothing to do with it. For these folks, the work of actual scientists and researchers is part of some global conspiratorial war against capitalism and consumption perpetrated by ersatz hippies and militant liberals. The only change that is needed is to quash the science lies and restrictive laws to allow for greater prosperity. Period.

For others, the science is clear and definitive and points to a need for a radical change, of course, in human behavior. For them, immediate changes to energy and food production to less-pollution-producing options are only a start, but a start that must begin now and progress rapidly. Others have said that the human race has already passed the point of no return; and that no course correction, no matter how radical, can reverse the inevitable demise of the earth as we know it. We are learning more every day and hopefully coming closer to a true understanding of the global climate change, and a clearer way forward.

What is clear, however, is that change is just plain hard! That may be at the core of the debate on both sides of the issue. While the climate may be changing at an increasing and perhaps frightening rate (just look at the time lapse map of arctic ice if you are still a doubter), people change at a glacially slow pace. No one knows that truth more fully than the church, whose rate of change is likened to molasses in the ice age. But in this instance, we might be able to be of some help. Climate change is not just a scientific issue, but a spiritual issue.

The ELCA reports on climate change note that as early as the late 2020s, 77 million people in Latin America may no longer have access to an adequate water supply. Parts of Africa may experience up to a 50% decrease in crop production. Starvation, without question, is a spiritual issue. Climate change disproportionally effects the poorest of our world. Industrial nations may insist that no change is necessary, but they do so at the peril of human lives in much of the world. Caravans of corn and building of desalination plants are short-term technical band-aids to a systemic global crisis that is, in short, killing us, our environments, and countless species across the board.

So, can we change? Can we see with new eyes a world where every person matters enough that we can change the course we are on radically enough and quickly enough to make a difference? The climate is changing, can we?

Blessings and peace,
Pastor Jeff

From Vicar Andy

Aloha, everyone!

I cannot believe it is already March! As you know (or maybe you don’t), I spent three weeks in California observing two very different ministry contexts. In Palm Desert I took part in the ministry of a congregation of over 600 at Sunday morning worship! They got to experience me lead the worship one Sunday and preach on the other. I met several people from Wisconsin, including several from my hometown and college town! In Fullerton I took part in a ministry with less than 30 people. The contrast was immense, and I gained a great deal knowledge about ministry, from both experiences. Thank you, all, for making it a possibility!

Beginning in March, I am starting up the ‘Ohana Gatherings again!! If you are interested in hosting one or attending one, please let me know! I am hoping to get four hosts to start, each one in a different geographical area of the island. Once I know who is willing to host and they set a date/time, I will assign those interested to a host. Please, feel free to talk to me or email me for more information!

See you in church,
Vicar Andy

‘Ohana Gatherings

For his internship project, Vicar Andy will be 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. He is working to keep the 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 Vicar Andy at vicar.andy@lchwelcome.org.

LCH Council Membership 2019

We welcome new council members Miles SatoMiles Sato, Julie Cummings, and Ian Cummings (youth representative) to the council for the new year. We are very grateful to those accepting and repeating council leadership roles in 2019: Josie Bidgood, president; Carol Langner, vice president; Steve Miller, treasurer; and Mary Fastenau, secretary.

Mahalo to Noe Nitz and Hunter Nishimura (youth representative) for their council service in 2018.

Our Synod Representatives

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

Two voting members, Julie Cummings and Dan Dennison, have been selected 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.

Pastor Jeff and Vicar Andy will be traveling with them and participating in these important Synod deliberations. Please pray for our delegates, delegates from across the Synod, and Bishop Andy Taylor as they prepare for Synod Assembly

Irregular Office Hours

Through March 24

LCH parish administrator, Anne Sing, continues to be out of the office, probably through at least March 24. Pastor Jeff Lilley, Vicar Andrew Flatt-Kunze, and volunteers will continue to provide as much coverage as possible but we cannot guarantee that the office will be open on a regular schedule.

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.

Angel Network In-Gathering

Sunday, March 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: The Evolving Views of Immortality in the Bible

Sundays in March, 9:20 am • LCH Boardroom

Beginning on the first Sunday of Lent, we will look at why and how the view on the afterlife changed in scripture. Bring your coffee and join us for this stimulating discussion.

Godly Play—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:

• March 3—Parable of the Great Pearl
• March 10—The Mystery of Easter Puzzle
• March 17—St. Patrick object box
• March 24—The Faces of Easter I, II, III
• March 31—The Faces of Easter IV, V, VI

Compline

Sundays, March 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.

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.

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, March 9, 9:30 am • LCH Boardroom

Join us for lively discussion on the second Saturday of March at 9:30 a.m. in the LCH Boardroom. We look at various topics in theology and philosophy through the lens of Process Thought, first described by Alfred North Whitehead, a mathematician and philosopher, in the 1920s. All are welcome; no prior exposure to Process ideas is necessary. Matt LoPresti, faculty from HPU, will be with us to lead the discussion and keep us on track! Hope to see you there!

Leadership Roundtable

Sunday, March 10, 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, March 10, 17, 24, and 31, 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.

Friends with Farms Produce Pick-Up

Tuesdays, March 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, pricing, and to sign up.

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.

IHS Meal Prep

Friday, March 15, 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.

Food for Thought

Saturday, March 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, April 13 and May 18. For more information, contact the LCH office at 808-941-2566.

LCH Women’s Book Club

Monday, March 18, 10:00 am

We will meet at the home of Paula Wheeler. Carol Langner will lead a discussion on A Gentleman In Moscow by Amor Towles. All are welcome. Please contact the church office if you have questions, 808-941-2566.

Writers’ Workshop

Monday, March 18, 4:30 pm

Writers’ Workshop meets in the LCH Boardroom. The next Monday meeting is scheduled for April 15. All are welcome. For more information contact the LCH office at 808-941-2566.

One Pot, One Hope

Saturday, March 30, 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, March 23, in Hawai‘i Kai • 6:00 pm

LGBTQI+ and friends, please join our March potluck supper and social, which will be hosted by Sione and Dan at their home in Hawai‘i Kai. Directions will be provided at church. Thanks to Dan and Sione for hosting.

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.

Easter Lilies

Help transform the Nave from Lent into Easter by donating money for an Easter lily to decorate the altar. Plants may be given in memory or honor of a loved one. Donation forms are in the usher basket or may be picked up in the church office. Thank you!

Thanks from the Hawai‘i Wounded Warrior Battalion

Dear Lutheran Church of Honolulu,

For more than six years, your organization has generously and selflessly helped provide monthly meals for the wounded, ill, and injured Marines and Sailors of Detachment—Hawaii, Wounded Warrior Battalion—West. This “Third Thursday” event evolved over time into a regular part of our day to day lives, and everyone looked forward to seeing the friendly volunteers and indulging in a warm, home-cooked meal—a welcome change of scenery for the barracks-based Marines that were so far from home.

Over the years, the unit has shrunk significantly, both in the number of supporting staff and the number of recovering service members. With the number of patients at an all-time low, there are few remaining to enjoy the delicious spread that your church was accustomed to providing. So, while “Third Thursday” may have come to an end (for now!), I am confident that I speak for all the Marines of the unit, both past and present, when I say that your efforts had a profound, positive effect on each of us and lent a hand when Marines needed it most.

On behalf of the Marines, Sailors, and Staff of Detachment – Hawaii, thank you so much for the gracious and dedicated support of our recovering service members and their families.

Capt. Vyoral, Officer-in-Charge
Detachment—Hawaii, Wounded Warrior Battalion

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 January

Offering Fund	Amount	Offering Fund	Amount
Offering	$7,115	Music Fund/Instruments	$265
Shallow Subsidy	$90	Capital Improvements	$624

Attendance and Offerings for February

Date	Worship Service	Attendance	Offering Fund	Amount
February 3	8:00 am Service	45	Offering	$3,371
	10:30 am Service	75	Shallow Subsidy	$130
	Compline	31	Social Ministries/IHS	$102
	Total	151	Music/Instruments	$20
			Scholarship Fund	$25
			Youth—Carnival Parking	$6,670
February 10	8:00 am Service	57	Offering counted with February 17
	10:30 am Service	74
	Total	125
February 17	8:00 am Service	43	Offering	$4,572
	10:30 am Service	87	Shallow Subsidy	$80
	Compline	33	Music Fund/Instruments	$10
	Total	163	Domestic Relief	$100
			Social Ministries/IHS	$30
February 24	8:00 am Service	53	Offering	$3,621
	10:30 am Service	79	Pew Chair Fund	$140
	Total	132	Social Ministries	$30
			Shallow Subsidy	$10

HeartBeat Deadline

Tuesday, March 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.

March Birthdays

03/05	Hunter Nishimura
03/06	Nathalie Jones
03/07	Lillie Jones
03/07	Brian Weis
03/18	Ken Bauchle
03/18	Donald Womack
03/23	Nicholas Castello
03/28	Olivia Castro

LCH Worship Participants

Holy Communion (8:00 am)
DATE	March 3	March 10	March 27	March 24	March 31
LECTOR	Carolyn Koehler	Peggy Anderson	Jimmy Castro	Cindy Scheinert	Carolyn Koehler
ASSISTING MINISTER	Bobby Broyles	Amanda Lippert	Laurie Leach	Bobby Broyles	Peggy Anderson
COMMUNION ASSISTANTS	Amanda Lippert Chuck Huxel Kyra Takamiya	Peggy Anderson Don Johnson Phyllis Hormann	Kyra Takamiya Peggy Anderson Chuck Huxel	Phyllis Hormann Stephanie Luuloa Laurie Leach	Don Johnson Chuck Huxel Stephanie Luuloa
LAYING ON HANDS		Stephanie Luuloa
ACOLYTE	Dylan D.	Hunter N.	Dylan D.	Hunter N.	Dylan D.
USHERS	Fred Benco Billie Jean Ries Dylan D.		COUNCIL in CHARGE	TBA
Choral Eucharist (10:30 am)
DATE	March 3	March 10	March 27	March 24	March 31
LECTOR	Angie Niermann	Roy Helms	Peter Flachsbart	Peggy Brandt	Cathy Baptista
DEACON	Jeanne Castello	Frank Haas	Mary Fastenau	Walter Cummings	Marcus Fikse
SUB-DEACON	Teresa McCreary	Julie Cummings	Marcus Fikse	Julie Cummings	Jeanne Castello
COMMUNION ASSISTANTS	Chuck Pearson Randy Christensen	Sue Haas Jim Cartwright	Teresa McCreary Bob Tellander	Jim Cartwright Randy Christensen	Mary FastenauF rank Haas
LAYING ON HANDS		John Bickel
ACOLYTES	Coco J. Lillie J.	Iara N. Needed	Rebecca L. Needed	Coco J. Lillie J.	Iara N. Needed
USHERS	Peter Flachsbart Bill Fay Chuck Huxel		ALTAR GUILD	Josie Bidgood Stephanie Luuloa Lois Watanabe Juditha Murashige Nicole Muffley Lori McDonald

Ash Wednesday (7:30 pm)

Lector: Cathy Baptista; Deacon: Julie Cummings; Sub-deacon: Frank Haas; Communion Assistants: Bob Tellander and Peggy Anderson; Acolytes: Needed

Calendar: March 2019

Day	Date	Event and Time
Sunday	March 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 11:45 am, Confirmation Class 7:30 pm, Compline
Wednesday	March 6	Ash Wednesday 7:30 pm, Ash Wednesday Worship
Thursday	March 7	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Saturday	March 9	9:00 am, Process Forum 7:30 pm, Early Music Hawaii Concert at LCH
Sunday	March 10	8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 11:45 am, Confirmation Class
Monday	March 11	6:00 pm, Worship & Music Meeting
Tuesday	March 12	2:30 pm, Friends with Farms Pick-up
Wednesday	March 13	6:00 pm, Lenten Soup & Salad Supper 7:00 pm, Lenten Evening Prayer Service
Thursday	March 14	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Friday	March 15	1:00 pm, IHS Meals Prepared 5:30 pm, IHS Meals Served
Saturday	March 16	5:30 pm, Food for Thought
Sunday	March 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	March 18	10:00 am, LCH Women’s Book Club 4:30 pm, Writers’ Workshop
Tuesday	March 19	HeartBeat Submissions Deadline
Wednesday	March 20	12:30 pm, Finance Committee Meeting 6:00 pm, Lenten Soup & Salad Supper 7:00 pm, Lenten Evening Prayer Service
Thursday	March 21	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Saturday	March 23	6:00 pm, Mary Magdalene Society in Hawai‘i Kai
Sunday	March 24	8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 11:45 am, Confirmation Class
Tuesday	March 26	2:30 pm, Friends with Farms Pick-up 6:00 pm, Executive Council Meeting 6:30 pm, LCH Council Meeting
Wednesday	March 27	6:00 pm, Lenten Soup & Salad Supper 7:00 pm, Lenten Evening Prayer Service
Thursday	March 28	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Saturday	March 30	9:30 am, One Pot One Hope 7:30 pm, HPU Moonlight Serenade
Sunday	March 31	8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 11:45 am, Confirmation Class