In this issue:
- A Message from Pastor Jeff
- Rusty Walker Memorial Service Project
- Summer Schedule
- Committee/Interest Group Chairs
- Intermittent LCH Office Hours, July and August
- LCH Office Hours
- Book of Faith Bible Study
- SUMMER SERVICE SCHEDULE
- Angel Network In-Gathering
- Adult Forum to Review ELCA’s Full Communion Partnerships
- Sunday School on Vacation for the Summer
- Leadership Roundtable
- Punahou Academy Fall Semester Parking Begins
- IHS Brown Bag Meal Prep
- LCH Office Closed for Hawai‘i Statehood Day
- Mary Magdalene Society
- LCH Women’s Book Club
- Writers’ Workshop
- Food for Thought
- Come Play with Us
- One Pot, One Hope
- Windward Wounded Warriors
- Give Aloha Returns September 1!
- An Easy Way to Donate
- Edward Shipwright Memorial Piano Fund
- LCH Office Closed for Labor Day
- HeartBeat Deadline
- Electronic Funds Transfers for June
- Attendance and Offerings for July
- Prayer Requests
- August Birthdays
- LCH Worship Participants (9:15 am)
- Calendar: August 2019
A Message from Pastor Jeff
To Know Love
To know love
one must listen deeply
As if to discern the rustle of butterfly wings
under the knell of a blacksmith’s hammer.
Listen with ear and eye and nose alive,
to inner goings on of an outer person,
and hear only their heart,
above the din.
And know love.
J.L.
We live in a terribly noisy world. It’s not just the incessant sound of construction or the hum of traffic punctuated by an endless sea of orange cones; nor is it just that we fill every silence with cell phone rings and buzzing earphone music. It is that life itself has become a noisy proposition in the physical, psychological, and spiritual senses. I wonder, sometimes, if we are not killing ourselves in the process.
Physically, we are accosted by noise of every sort. Phones ring, traffic noise rises, children shout, TVs blare, and radios play in an almost constant stream of uninterrupted noise. Our genius brains even have a mechanism that eventually dulls our awareness of constant or repetitive noise. I found myself victim of this when, for weeks, Anne Sing kept telling me there was a constant beep going on in the boardroom. I had simply tuned it out. I finally had to fix it because our sister congregation kept unplugging the phone system to make it stop! As an urban congregation, most of us have had to simply “get used to” the noise to survive, but we don’t often realize the physical toll such noise takes on our well-being. I wonder sometimes how much I am “tuning out” just to survive.
In the past few months, I have become keenly aware of the rising political cacophony that seems to invade every aspect of life. Somewhere along the line, constructive, informed, and civil discourse have given way to hurled insults and Twitter storms. Sometimes it feels as if the goal is to create an ever-bigger reaction by producing an ever-increasing amount of noise. The volume is bad enough, but the incredible massiveness of the noisemaking enterprise is beginning to deafen our good sense and our sense of goodness. Leaders on both sides of the political spectrum keep putting notches on the handles of their Twitter guns while immigrant children remain incarcerated in deplorable conditions. Political noise has made us deaf to the sound of a crying child.
Spiritual noise is on the rise as well. The author of a recent article described modern spirituality as a kind of picking and choosing from a wide menu of spiritual options. She described it as persons choosing a little Buddhism, some yoga, a dash of mindfulness, and a dash of crystals and tarot cards for a little spice. While I have no intention to criticize the spirituality of others, I can’t help but wonder if such spirituality might be connected to the basic human need to connect and, in the absence of connection, to grasp at whatever might bring meaning and order in the midst of deafening options. We see it even in Christian faith, with worshipping communities constantly seeking the next great program, the next perfect pastor, or the latest popular trend in hopes of stemming the falling tide of participation in religious communities.
These days, I find that more noise—whether political, spiritual, or psychological—doesn’t seem to be bringing any of us closer to one another, or to truth, or to peace. Such riches come when the noise stops and we begin to listen deeply to one another. It comes when we hear the cry of the poor over the siren call of greed and protectionism. It comes when the still calm voice of reason rises above the tyranny of anger. It comes in the epiphany of music, as rain falls on dry soil in the desert.
It is no accident that Jesus regularly took time away in the “desert places” to pray, or that Elijah heard God’s call to him in the quiet of the night. Listening to God in modern society is like trying to hear the flutter of butterfly wings over resounding clangs of a blacksmith’s hammer. Perhaps God really is in the still small voice, if only we have ears to hear.
Peace,
Pastor Jeff
Rusty Walker Memorial Service Project
As you may know, LCH member Rusty Walker passed away earlier this year. Rusty had a passion for serving those in need. To honor his memory, his family has purchased 50 quality backpacks to be distributed to school kids in need this fall. Instead of flowers, we ask that the LCH community bring for supplies homeless folks including canned food with pull tabs, can openers, small first aid kits, umbrellas (small enough to fit in the backpack), washcloths, small hand sanitizers, soap (with soap container), tooth brushes and tooth paste, hand wipes, emergency ponchos, travel coffee mugs, safety pins, and flashlights with batteries. We will fill the backpacks and work with local agencies to distribute them to families in need. There is a bin set up in the courtyard to receive the supplies.
Rusty’s memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, August 31, at 10:00 am in the nave.
Committee/Interest Group Chairs
| Committee/Group | Leader |
|---|---|
| Archive: | Jim Cartwright |
| Concert: | Scott Fikse |
| Communications: | Carol Langner |
| Community Life: | Larry Anderson |
| Council: | Josie Bidgood |
| Fellowship: | Jeanne Castello & Mary-Jo Estes |
| Finance: | Steve Miller |
| Financial Review: | Dori Palcovich |
| Food for Thought: | Kathryn Klingebiel |
| Lay Ministers: | Carolyn Koehler |
| Learning Ministry: | Fred Benco |
| Mary Magdalene Society: | James Cartwright |
| Process Theology: | Carol Langner |
| Property: | Richard Mundell |
| Scholarship: | Fred Benco |
| Social Ministry: | Jean Lilley |
| Stewardship: | Phyllis Hörmann Willow Chang |
| Sunday School: | Laurie Leach |
| Worship & Music: | Roy Helms & Randy Castello |
| Writers’ Workshop: | Kathryn Klingebiel |
| Youth: | Pr. Jeff Lilley |
Summer Schedules
Our Sunday service summer schedule continues through August. There is 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. Other LCH programs may break for the summer as well. Check the LCH calendar on-line, or the HeartBeat newsletter and the weekly LCHNews calendars for scheduling information.
Intermittent LCH Office Hours, July and August
The LCH administrator will be out of the office, on vacation, from Thursday, July 25, through Friday, August 9. LCH office hours will be intermittent during that time, depending on Pastor Jeff’s schedule and volunteer availability. Please call the office before dropping in to be sure someone is available to assist you.
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.
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!
SUMMER SERVICE SCHEDULE continues through Sunday, August 25
One Communion worship service at 9:15 am
Angel Network In-Gathering
Sunday, August 4
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 to Review ELCA’s Full Communion Partnerships
Sundays, August 4 and 11, 8:15 am • LCH Boardroom
Adult Forum will study the ELCA’s Full Communion partnerships. As of this date, the ELCA enjoys six Full Communion partnerships. The discussions will also touch upon the ongoing Lutheran-Catholic dialogues. Bring your refreshments and join the discussion. All are welcome.
Sunday School on Vacation for the Summer
During the summer worship period, starting on June 2, there is no Sunday school, as LCH goes to one Sunday service. Starting again September 1, 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!
Sign up for next year’s Sunday school on Rally Sunday, August 25. In the meantime, have a great summer!
Leadership Roundtable
Sunday, August 4, 10:30 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!
Punahou Academy Fall Semester Parking Begins
Both Parking Lots • Beginning Wednesday, August 14
The Punahou Academy fall semester begins Wednesday, August 14. Student parking begins in the LCH Poki Street and church parking lots on that date. All Poki Street lot spaces are reserved for Punahou student parking, Monday through Friday, from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm on school days only, through May 28, 2020. There are ten spaces reserved for Punahou students in the church lot for the fall and spring semesters. All spaces along the Poki Street side of the church lot and two spaces in the gravel area nearest to the dumpster are reserved. Please do not park in the designated student spaces Monday through Friday, from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm on school days only, through May 28, 2020.
Please do not park in the Poki Street lot during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. Even if spaces are empty, they are paid for by and reserved for Punahou students. It is recommended that you observe posted “Reserved Parking” signs and park in the church lot, against the LCH office building, during office hours when visiting LCH on regular business days. The church lot parking diagram is included here for guidance.
Please be aware that cars parked in the church lot after 10:00 pm will be towed at the owner’s expense.
IHS Brown Bag Meal Prep
Thursday, August 15, 8:00 am • LCH Isenberg Hall
This month we prepare 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 speak to Carol Langner or contact the LCH office. A driver with a van or SUV is needed to help transport meals. Please join the group on June 20, if you are available to help. To learn more about the Institute for Human Services, visit their website at www.ihshawaii.org. Mahalo to all who help with this ministry to Honolulu’s homeless.
LCH Office Closed
Friday, August 16 in observance of Hawai‘i Statehood Day
Mary Magdalene Society
Saturday, August 17 at 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. 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.
LCH Women’s Book Club
Monday, August 19, 10:00 am
We meet at the Murashige’s. We will be watching and discussing the video A Place at the Table. In September, Billie Jean leads discussion of the book Unforgettable, by Scott Simon. All are welcome. Please contact the church office if you have questions, 808-941-2566.
Writers’ Workshop
Monday, August 19, 4:00 pm
Writers’ Workshop meets in the boardroom at LCH. This will be our first meeting after the summer hiatus. All are welcome. For more information please contact the LCH office at 808-941-2566.
Food for Thought
Saturday, August 24, 5:30 to 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, please contact the LCH office at 808-941-2566.
Come Play with Us
Sunday School Rally Day is August 25. Join us for games and snacks after service on the last day of summer to kick off the beginning of a new Sunday school year! There will also be a table to sign up the children for Sunday School which will start on the first Sunday in September. On that table will be the curriculum books we use in the Godly Play program for you to explore.
One Pot, One Hope
Saturday, August 31, 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).
Windward Wounded Warriors
We have been busy of late assisting individual Marines and their families in need, and have several major events coming soon. Examples of assistance and upcoming events include:
- Windward Wounded Warriors (WWW) covered the cost of a new suit for a medically retiring Marine to wear for job interviews.
- A family of four, relocating to Korea for several years, was treated to a meal at a nice restaurant. This was their first meal out as a family.
- A retired warrior, launching a DJ career and looking forward to a series of upcoming opportunities, lost his laptop and music files when his computer crashed. We helped him purchase a refurbished laptop so he could continue working to support his family of five.
- As a new school year approaches, Operation Backpack will provide school supplies for wounded, ill, and injured veteran and Coast Guard families who are financially strapped. Coast Guard volunteers will shop for supplies, fill backpacks, and distribute to families in need. LCH’s Wounded Warrior fund will underwrite the cost.
- From August 4 to 11, WWW partners with the Semper Fi Fund to offer our third annual Wounded Warrior all-expense-paid reunion for 30 Marines and corps personnel at Owasippe Scout Reservation in Michigan. After daytime activities, evening group sessions will examine transition challenges for those with PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury and share proven beneficial resources. A closed-chat-group page will enable them to continue supporting each other throughout the year.
This continued relationship with those wounded, ill, and injured who were stationed in Hawai‘i over the past nine years has helped us maintain a zero suicide rate among nearly 250 Wounded Warriors, versus the average 20 per day lost among our veteran population.
The Duke Kahanamoku Nā Koa Wounded Warrior Outrigger Regatta is celebrating their 10th anniversary this year at Fort DeRussy, in Waikiīkī. Some 105 teams from the Islands, Great Britain, and Australia will compete in the Wounded Warrior, Combat Veteran, and Veteran categories. Gold Star families who have lost a loved one in combat will also have teams competing. For the first time, Windward Wounded Warriors will be hosting our British and Aussie compatriots, along with our Marines, for a VIP tour of Pearl Harbor, an island tour with local grindz, and a luau. We want to share information among the three groups about best practices for wounded, ill, and injured, and their caregivers and families.
Thank you for your regular support of this much-needed program. Your continued donations are welcome and appreciated.
Pastor Steve Jensen
Give Aloha Returns September 1!
LCH Org Code: 78224
We are registered again to participate in the annual Give Aloha Program, sponsored by Foodland/Western Union. During the month of September, donations to Give Aloha will be accepted, up to $249, at any Foodland or Sack ’n’ Save. Don’t forget your Maika‘i card and use the LCH Organization Code (78224) at the time of your donation. Foodland and Western Union will match every gift received up to $300,000 for all combined participating organizations.
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.
LCH OFFICE will be closed
Monday, September 2, in observance of Labor Day
| Offering Fund | Amount | Offering Fund | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Offering | $6,705 | Music Fund/Instruments | $263 |
| Shallow Subsidy | $90 | Capital Improvements | $122 |
HeartBeat Deadline
Tuesday, August 20, 9:00 am
Carol M., Chuck P., Colleen K., Dennis S., Karen O., Kendra K., Linda L., Patricia, Resi, Vonia, Wayne G.
| Day | Date | Event and Time | Thursday | August 1 | Irregular office hours, through August 9 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday | August 3 | 10:00 am, Tomi Haehnlen Memorial Service at LCH |
| Sunday | August 4 | Angel Network In-Gathering 8:15 am, Adult Forum 9:15 am, Summer Holy Communion 10:30 am, Leadership Roundtable |
| Thursday | August 8 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting |
| Sunday | August 11 | 8:15 am, Adult Forum 9:15 am, Summer Holy Communion |
| Monday | August 12 | 6:00 pm, Worship & Music Meeting |
| Wednesday | August 14 | 12:30 pm, Finance Committee Meeting |
| Thursday | August 15 | 8:00 am, IHS Brown Bag Meal Prep 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting |
| Friday | August 16 | LCH Office CLOSED—Hawai‘i Statehood Day |
| Saturday | August 17 | 6:00 pm, Mary Magdalene Society |
| Sunday | August 18 | 8:15 am, Adult Forum 9:15 am, Summer Holy Communion |
| Monday | August 19 | 10:00 am, LCH Women’s Book Club 4:00 pm, Writers’ Workshop |
| Tuesday | August 20 | HeartBeat Submissions Deadline |
| Wednesday | August 21 | 12:30 pm, LCH Finance Committee Meeting |
| Thursday | August 22 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting |
| Saturday | August 24 | 5:30 pm, Food for Thought |
| Sunday | August 25 | 8:15 am, Adult Forum 9:15 am, Summer Holy Communion |
| Tuesday | August 27 | 6:30 pm, LCH Council Meeting |
| Thursday | August 29 | 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study 2:30 pm, Weekly Staff Meeting |
| Saturday | August 31 | 9:30 am, One Pot One Hope 10:00 am, Rusty Walker Memorial at LCH |
| Sunday | September 1 | Angel Network In-Gathering 8:00 am, Holy Communion 9:20 am, Christian Education—all ages 10:30 am, Choral Eucharist 11:45 am, Leadership Roundtable 7:30 pm, Compline |
| Monday | September 2 | LCH Office CLOSED—Labor Day |