HeartBeat—May 2019

From Pastor Jeff

Mental Health, Spirituality, and Community

For about 70 years, May has been designated “Mental Health Month” in the United States. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services long ago identified the importance of mental health in every sector of the population and established Mental Health Month as a way to raise awareness about mental health issues, encouraging people to seek care when needed. Despite the government’s best efforts, persons suffering from depression and other mental health problems, as well as substance abuse, continue to be stigmatized and shamed. Too often, mental health issues are considered a moral rather than medical issue, leaving those who are suffering discouraged, or worse, ignored. Even when they do seek help, those who suffer often find limited or few resources available, especially if they are unemployed or unsheltered. Some have called the lack of mental health care in the US a “hidden epidemic” affecting millions of people.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five persons in the United States suffers from some form of mental illness. Seventy-five percent of lifetime mental illnesses begin by the age of 24, but most people affected will not seek treatment for an average of 8–10 years! Sadly, about 70 percent of incarcerated youth, in juvenile detention and prison, suffer from some form of mental illness. These staggering numbers paired with a stubborn social stigma make for a dangerous situation, especially for youth and young adults whose suicide rates are among the highest in the US. While mental illness is not limited to a particular gender, or to a socio-economic or geographic population, it occurs with greater frequency among those who are unemployed or unsheltered. But let’s be clear, depression and other mental illnesses can and do affect almost anyone.

From December 2018 through February of this year, I experienced my first bout of depression. Although I have been trained to see the signs of depression in others, I could not see them in myself. I was irritable, exhausted, impatient, and felt trapped in a kind of descending spiral. At times, I felt as if I really just needed to get away from my call at LCH and seek employment elsewhere. Rationally, I knew there was no particular reason to leave. I wasn’t experiencing conflict, there was no concrete reason to move away, but I was stuck with an overwhelming need to run. Every slight from staff felt like a stab in the chest, every minor glitch seemed like a major failure. But mostly, I was just weary of everything. At one point, I began to write a journal, but it felt so whiney and self-serving I gave up after the second entry. Finally, I wrote “Just keep swimming” on a sticky note and posted it on my wall; and that is what I did.

Finally, Jean encouraged me to seek help, and I did. Sadly, not everyone has access to help like I do. Time with wise colleagues, prayer, and the support of an amazing life partner lifted me out of a very dark place. It was a few weeks later, while reading an article about signs of depression in a medical journal, that I realized I had been depressed.

We know from many studies that being a part of a faith community can be a major positive factor in promoting good mental health. The National Alliance on Mental Health, the Department of Health, and the Blue Zone project note that people who identify having some sort of religious and/or spiritual life feel better physically and psychologically than people who do not. Belonging to a community that cares and takes care makes all the difference. Deliberate, consistent, and deep connections with God and God’s community can be helpful as we navigate the sometimes-troubled waters of life. Sometimes we need help steering the ship of our lives, and sometimes we need the freedom and rest of letting go of the tiller and letting someone else steer until we get our bearings.

So, what can our community do for Mental Health Month? First, take time to learn about mental illness. I have posted a great deal of information on the bulletin board by the kitchen. Some is nationally based, but much is Hawai‘i specific. Second, notice others. Check in with one another and listen more deeply. Encourage each other to seek medical evaluation where needed. Be honest with your doctor, not only about how you feel physically, but also psychologically. Third, be attentive to your, and your family’s, spiritual life. While religion is no magic bullet, a lifetime habit of loving and being loved by God and God’s community is a wonderful gift to give ourselves, our children, and our friends. Lastly, learn more about the mind-body connection. Physical fitness is one of many factors that improves overall health and mental well-being.

There is so much more we can learn and do. Check out the URLs and fact sheet posted on the bulletin board. In the meantime, love one another, for you are wonderfully made in the image of God and worthy, in every respect, to be loved.

Peace,

From Vicar Andy

Siblings in Christ,

I want to start by thanking all of the hosts and attendees of the on-going ‘Ohana Gatherings. These events have been beautifully hosted, generously attended, and an absolute joy to arrange. Each one has been slightly different, but that is what makes these gatherings fun!

This month, we have two gatherings scheduled. The first gathering is at Carolyn Koehler’s house in Waipi‘o, scheduled for May 18, from 5:00 to 9:00 pm. The second gathering, at Lori McDonald’s house in ‘Ewa Beach, will be May 24, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Please see one of the hosts or me if you are interested in attending.

The second announcement is that on May 12, 19, and 26, I will teach a sacred story-telling class during the adult education hour. While you are welcome to attend any of the classes, as you are able, the greatest benefit will be to attend all the classes. We will look at the craft, practice, and ways stories are told, through the lens of telling our own story.

See you in church,
Vicar Andy

Summer Schedules

As June approaches, please keep in mind that we change our Sunday service times to the summer schedule for June, July, and August. Beginning Sunday, June 2, there will be one worship service on Sundays, at 9:15 am. This is a communion service. There will be no Compline during the summer months. Compline resumes on the first Sunday of September.

LCH Scholarship Applications

Submit by Friday, May 24

Scholarship applications are available for the coming summer and 2019–20 school year. Scholarships may be used for tuition assistance, music study, and the like. If you wish to apply for an LCH scholarship, please call the church office (808-941-2566) or send an email request to lch@lchwelcome.org for an application. Scholarship applications should be submitted by Friday, May 24, for committee review and approval.

LCH Office Hours

• Monday—9:00 am to 4:00 pm
• Tuesday—9:00 am to 4:00 pm
• Wednesday—9:00 am to 12:30 pm
• 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.

Attention Lay Ministers!

Please check the Lay Assistants schedule for May 2019, distributed via email, last week. Lay ministry assignments should not come as a surprise. The monthly schedule is email distributed before the monthly HeartBeat newsletter. (Conflicts are called for at least a week in advance of that distribution.) The full month’s schedule is repeated within the monthly HeartBeat, and is posted in large print on the church courtyard bulletin board.

Please don’t wait for a reminder from the office, a few days prior to the service date, to prepare for your ministry. Mark your calendars now, so that you are ready and do not experience schedule conflicts at the last minute. Mahalo!

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, May 5

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 at 9:20 am • LCH Boardroom

Please bring your refreshments and join us in the boardroom for scheduled discussions and speakers. The schedule for May:

• May 5—TBA (Matthew Gonser, guest speaker, hoping to reschedule for a later date)
• May 12 to 26—Sacred story-telling, led by Vicar Andy

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 May:

• May 5—The Circle of Service
• May 12—The Good Shepherd and World Communion
• May 19—Paul’s Discovery
• May 26—The Mystery of Pentecost

Leadership Roundtable

Sunday, May 5, 11:45 am • LCH Boardroom

Committee chairs and team leaders, please plan to gather for a short 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, May 5 and 19, 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.

Friends with Farms Produce Pick-Up

Tuesdays, May 7 & 21, 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.

Pacifica Synod Assembly and Pastor’s Continuing Education

Voting members from around the Pacifica Synod will gather in Irvine, California, May 10–11, for the Pacifica Synod Assembly. Pastor Jeff, Julie Cummings, and Dan Dennison are voting members from LCH attending the assembly this year. Vicar Andy will attend as well. The assembly is a time for ELCA congregations to gather for prayer, worship, discernment, and business. Please keep the assembly, our bishop, and all attending members in your prayers. Our voting members will provide a brief report of their experience when they return.

Immediately following the Synod Assembly, Pastor Jeff will travel to Minnesota for a week of continuing education. He will return for services on Sunday, May 19.

Process Forum

Saturday, May 11, 9:30 am • LCH Boardroom

Process Forum meets on the second Saturday of the month. 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.

Mary Magdalene Society

Saturday, May 11 • 6:00 pm • LCH Isenberg Hall

LGBTQI and friends, please join our potluck supper and social. Supper begins at 6:00 pm, with games to follow. Please bring a food item to share. After dinner, we will have some table talk and then enjoy games. The theme for after dinner conversation is “summer plans.” Come prepared to share stories about what you will be doing over the summer. New games are also welcome for after-dinner entertainment.

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.

IHS Meal Prep

Friday, May 17, 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, May 18, 5:30–8:00 pm

Food for Thought meets at the home of David Hörmann. All are welcome for potluck supper, video, and discussion. For more information, contact the LCH office at 808-941-2566.

LCH Women’s Book Club

Monday, May 20, 10:00 am

We will meet at the Murashige’s in May. Marlise Tellander leads discussion of Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. Book selection for May 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, May 20, 4:00 pm • LCH Boardroom

Please note the earlier start time for May’s meeting. Writers’ Workshop meets in the LCH Boardroom. Future meetings will be announced as they are scheduled. All are welcome. For more information contact the LCH office at 808-941-2566.

LCH OFFICE will be closed

Monday, May 27—in observance of Memorial Day

One Pot, One Hope

Saturday, May 25, 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).

The Lutheran Church of Honolulu Choir and Bach Chamber Orchestra present Think Outside the Bach. They will be joined by local soloists to perform works by composers such as Carl Phillip Emmanuel (son), Johann Michael (cousin), Johann Christian (son), Johann Ernst (godfather and cousin), and others who bore the famous name, Bach. Works by PDQ Bach might even make an appearance in this eclectic and beautiful program.

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 March

Offering Fund	Amount	Offering Fund	Amount
Offering	$6,705	Music Fund/Instruments	$263
Shallow Subsidy	$90	Capital Improvements	$122

Attendance and Offerings for April

Date	Worship Service	Attendance	Offering Fund	Amount
April 7	8:00 am Service	51	Offering	$1,881
	10:30 am Service	88	Shallow Subsidy	$50
	Compline	30	Social Ministries	$70
	Total	169	Music Fund	$10
			Scholarship Fund	$20
			Pew Chair Fund	$60
April 14	8:00 am Service	37	Offering	$2,533
	10:30 am Service	95	Social Ministries	$70
	Total	132	Music Fund/Instruments	$49
			Domestic Relief	$25
April 18–20	Maundy Thursday	67	Offerings	$150
	Good Friday	73
	Easter Vigil	109
April 21	8:00 am Service	82	Offering	$9,385
	10:30 am Service	37	Music Fund	$1,000
	Compline	240	Pew Chair Fund	$600
	Total	129	Shallow Subsidy	$160
			Capital Improvements	$100
			Altar Flowers	$49
			Social Ministries/IHS	$30
April 28	8:00 am Service	42	Offering	$2,885
	10:30 am Service	79	Social Ministries	$70
	Total	121	Altar Flowers	$45
			Music Fund	$30
			Domestic Relief	$25
			Scholarship Fund	$20

HeartBeat Deadline

Tuesday, May21, 9:00 am

Colleen K., George, Linda M., Patricia, Ray P., Resi,
Vonia, Wayne G.

May Birthdays

05/05	Vreni Griffith
05/09	Bill Fay
05/11	Ivan Kaeo
05/14	Miles Sato
05/17	Karyn Castro
05/22	Miguel Felipe
05/23	Francisco Barajas
05/24	Stephanie Luuloa
05/28	Lilianna S.
05/30	Ernie Peterson

LCH Worship Participants

Holy Communion (8:00 am)
DATE	May 5	May 12	May 19	May 26
LECTOR	Chuck Huxel	Peggy Brandt	Cindy Scheinert	Bobby Broyles
ASSISTING MINISTER	Laurie Leach	Bobby Broyles	Amanda Lippert	Peggy Anderson
COMMUNION ASSISTANTS	Amanda Lippert Chuck Huxel Kyra Takamiya	Peggy Anderson Phyllis Hörmann Don Johnson	Stephanie Luuloa Lauri Leach Chuck Huxel	Bobby Broyles Phyllis Hörmann Kyra Takamiya
ACOLYTE	Hunter N.	Dylan D.	Hunter N.	Dylan D.
LAYING ON HANDS		Stephanie Luuloa
USHERS	Fred Benco Billie Jean Ries Dylan DePretto		COUNCIL in CHARGE	Mary Fastenau
Choral Eucharist (10:30 am)
DATE	May 5	May 12	May 19	May 26
LECTOR	Angie Niermann	Peter Flachsbart	Roy Helms	Cathy Baptista
DEACON	Frank Haas	Mary Fastenau	Julie Cummings	Teresa McCreary
SUB-DEACON	Teresa McCreary	Walter Cummings	Marcus Fikse	Mary Fastenau
COMMUNION ASSISTANTS	Jim Cartwright Bob Tellander	Chuck Pearson Randy Christensen	Bob Tellander Jim Cartwright	Chuck Pearson Randy Christensen
ACOLYTES	Rebecca L.	Lillie & Coco J.	Max W.	Lillie J.
LAYING ON HANDS		Juditha Murashige
USHERS	Peter Flachsbart Bill Fay Chuck Huxel		ALTAR GUILD	Josie Bidgood Stephanie Luuloa Lois Watanabe Lori McDonald Juditha Murashige Nicole Muffley

Calendar: May 2019

Day	Date	Event and Time
Wednesday	May 1	6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal
Thursday	May 2	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Sunday	May 5	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
Tuesday	May 7	2:30 pm, Friends with Farms Pick-up
Wednesday	May 8	6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal
Thursday	May 9	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Friday	May 10	Pacifica Synod Assembly—CA
Saturday	May 11	Pacifica Synod Assembly—CA 9:30 am, Process Forum 6:00 am, Mary Magdalene Society
Sunday	May 12	Mother’s Day 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist
Monday	May 13	6:00 pm, Worship & Music Meeting
Wednesday	May 15	12:30 pm, Finance Committee Meeting 6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal
Thursday	May 16	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Friday	May 17	1:00 pm, IHS Meals Prepared 5:30 pm, IHS Meals Served
Saturday	May 18	5:30 pm, Food for Thought
Sunday	May 19	8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 7:30 pm, Compline
Monday	May 20	10:00 am, LCH Women’s Book Club 4:00 pm, Writers’ Workshop 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Tuesday	May 21	HeartBeat Submissions Deadline 2:30 pm, Friends with Farms Pick-up
Wednesday	May 22	6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal
Thursday	May 23	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Saturday	May 25	9:30 am, One Pot One Hope 7:30 pm, Think Outside the Bachs Concert at LCH
Sunday	May 26	8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist
Monday	May 27	LCH Office CLOSED—Memorial Day Holiday
Tuesday	May 28	6:30 pm, LCH Council Meeting
Wednesday	May 29	6:00 pm, Early Worship Ensemble Rehearsal
Thursday	May 30	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal