HeartBeat—August 2020

From Pastor Jeff

New Normal

Behold, I am doing a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.—Isaiah 43:19

The past several months have been a life-changing time for many of us. The “Me Too” movement has exposed a culture of violence toward women, the “Black Lives Matter” movement has laid bare a society rooted in racism, and the covid-19 pandemic has raised serious questions about the stability of healthcare, economy, and family systems that we have taken for granted. Climate change has thrown normative ecosystems into chaos, and regime changes around the world seem to lead to greater suffering and inequality. A good friend of mine lamented, “It is hard to stand when the ground is shifting every few minutes.” The ground is surely shifting, even the stable ground of our faith where once we could at least seek refuge, if only for a quiet hour of worship.

For many of us, our time of worship has changed radically. We have traditionally gathered in person to share in God’s word, a holy meal, and uplifting songs. Even if we didn’t care for the hymns or the sermon was boring, we always had fellowship time in the courtyard to catch up with old friends and eat brownies. (I really miss Bill’s brownies.) The shift to online worship has been easier for some than others, but we all miss seeing one another and sharing the good news of life with one another. For all the change, worship is still happening, fellowship is still possible, ministry at LCH is still vibrant and active even if it has a different look and feel. We are not only learning how to live out our ancient faith in modern ways, we are beginning to open our eyes and hearts to what God might be up to in the midst of a whirlwind of change. We are on unstable ground, but God remains steadfastly with us in the midst of it.

I have always been drawn to this quote from Isaiah, “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” God is addressing Israel and reminding them—despite all of the distractions, wars, trials, and tribulation—God is still present and enduring. This text from Isaiah reminds me daily that—though our usual worship habits, service opportunities, and fellowship patterns are not possible at this time—God is constantly making streams in the desert, new paths through rocky ground, and lighting the ways through our darkness. God has not left us to journey alone through these difficult times but, as always, is calling us to live fully a life of faith that stands with those most in need, those most oppressed, and those most in need of healing love.

While it is impossible to know when or if we will ever “go back to normal” in our life of faith together, we can seize the opportunity in these difficult times to make rivers in the desert and smooth ways in the wilderness. It may be new and shaky ground, but traveling together in the company of God is also exciting and life-bringing.

May God bless us on the journey!
Pastor Jeff

LCH Office Hours During COVID-19 Shelter-at-Home Order

The LCH office and church campus are generally closed to in-person meetings and gatherings as cases of covid-19 in the state continue to rise an as a precaution in accordance with the CDC, Hawai‘i State Governor’s Office, and Honolulu City and County Office of the Mayor’s recommendations regarding covid-19 virus safety. We recommend that you do not leave a phone message on the office voicemail. It is preferable that you please email LCH@LCHwelcome.org to contact the administrator, pr.jeff@LCHwelcome.org to contact Pastor Jeff, or scott@LCHwelcome.org to contact the LCH music director. If you prefer to leave a brief voicemail message, your call will be returned when someone is able to check in at the LCH office. Please visit the LCH website at www.lchwelcome.org for more information about weekly events and ministries, and to access the public LCH Facebook page for online worship services (you do not need a Facebook account to access the LCH Facebook page).

From Vicar (and Almost-Pastor) Andy

Aloha, LCH ‘Ohana,

As many of you might already know, I was called to be the pastor of Emmaus Lutheran Church in Falmouth, Maine, on July 12th. Justin and I overjoyed at the news and have already begun the process of moving our lives there. Among other things, the church has a parsonage that we are painting and decorating. We have never had a home over 700 square feet, and the parsonage is nearly 2,000! I guess you could say that visitors aren’t just welcome; they are expected!

My start date is going to be September 8th, which is also that month’s council meeting. It will be a busy first day, but I am eager to begin working in the work I have been trained to do.

Additionally, my ordination is going to be September 20 at 9:00 am EST. I realize that this is 3:00 am HST and that most of you will be asleep. It will be outdoors at the church with limited in-person attendance; however, it will be live streamed. The live stream will also be recorded. I will speak with Pastor Jeff about how the live stream can be shared to the LCH’s Facebook page.

Emmaus has a little online presence, but I hope to boost that once I officially start. You can find them online at emmausfalmouth.org or on Facebook at Emmaus Lutheran Church, just be sure to click on the one in Falmouth, Maine. Finally, their physical address is 265 Middle Rd., Falmouth, ME 04105.

You played a pivotal role in my call to ordained ministry, and I think about that nearly everyday. I look back at my internship at Lutheran Church of Honolulu with a fondness and joy in my heart. It has been quite the journey to this point. But, in a way, this is only the beginning.

Blessings,
Almost-Pastor Andy

The Blue Zones Project

Our Stewardship focus during June and July has been on weaving faith and self- or personal-care. Now, as fall approaches, we begin to turn our focus to weaving faith and community. One proposal has been for LCH to get involved in the Blue Zones Project. In this month’s Stewardship Corner, Miles Sato provides a brief overview of the project in Hawai‘i. Additional information is available at bzphawaii.com.

In 2005, National Geographic Fellow Dan Buettner published his initial observations about where in the world people lived the happiest, healthiest, and longest. He called these areas “blue zones.” He subsequently published a series of New York Times bestselling books that revealed his insight that the environment supported the wellbeing of the original blue zone populations. He uncovered nine evidence-based principles or common denominators among these populations:

1. Moderate, regular physical activity.
2. Life purpose.
3. Stress reduction.
4. Moderate caloric intake.
5. Plant-based diet.
6. Moderate alcohol intake, especially wine.
7. Engagement in spirituality or religion.
8. Engagement in family life.
9. Engagement in social life.

These principles are at the core of the Blue Zones Project.

In 2014, HMSA, in partnership with Healthways and the Blue Zones Project, launched the Blue Zones Project in Hawai‘i. It is a major initiative to improve the wellbeing and longevity of all Hawai‘i residents by bringing together citizens, schools, employers, restaurants, grocery stores, and community leaders to improve Hawai‘i’s living environment so that healthy choices are not only easy but also unavoidable.

Since LCH inherently embraces the engagement principles of spirituality, family life, and social life, Miles, as liaison for Social Ministries, and with support from the Stewardship Team, will propose to the Church Council that we work toward becoming an approved Blue Zones Project organization. Churches within the Mānoa-Makiki-McCully-Mõ‘ili‘ili area who are Blue Zones Project approved include Central Union Church and Church of the Crossroads.

Summer Schedules

At this time, in-person services are tentatively scheduled to resume at the end of October 2020. In the meantime, LCH live-streamed worship services will continue at 10:00 am. Compline and First Mondays concerts will resume in September, via live-stream on the LCH Facebook page.

Angel Network In-Gathering

LCH is not collecting donations for Angel Network Charities until further notice. However, Angel Network is accepting donations at the Calvary-by-the-Sea Lutheran Church location in east O‘ahu: 5339 Kalaniana‘ole Highway, Honolulu 96821.

For those who are able and interested in donating, they accept donations on Thursdays and Fridays, from 8:30 am to noon. They will only accept packaged, unopened dry goods (e.g. cereal, flour, sugar, pasta, etc.) and canned goods.

Angel Network requires that donating drivers identify themselves and remain in their vehicle. Volunteers will offload donation items from your vehicle with protective gloves. Over 2,500 individuals are served monthly through this program. Mahalo for your generosity and support.

Your Help Is Needed for Streaming Worship

With worship services continuing online, we are looking for additional people to support these services. One way that you can help is by volunteering to be a reader. As Pastor Jeff said to me, “Everyone can read.” If you have a phone with a camera or a computer that can make a video, you can do this! Pastor Jeff will send you the readings ahead of time, and you send your video recording of your reading back to him. He and the other technicians will incorporate your reading into the service. This invitation is meant to extend beyond our list of “regular” lectors. We invite anyone who would like to participate as a visible part of our worship ‘ohana.

There are other needs that you might also be able to fill. Pastor Jeff and others have been working tirelessly to make our online services meaningful, worshipful, and professional. If you have talents in video, sound, computers, or anything else that might contribute to the outcome of online streaming, please contact Pastor Jeff about serving as a back-up or substitute for one of our regular, over-worked technicians.

Despite our physical distance from each other, we are still one ‘ohana and we can all share in our joint worship experiences.

Mahalo!
Carolyn Koehler

Adult Forum

Sundays at 9:00 am • Online via Zoom meeting login

All are welcome to join the Adult Forum Zoom meetings, live Sunday mornings. This works best if you download the free Zoom app beforehand. You may need to enable your microphone and video capabilities. Please contact Dr. Stephen Miller at stevedmiller.sm@gmail.com to receive an invitation to join the next Zoom Adult Forum discussion.

Virtual Coffee Talk with Pastor Jeff

Online Coffee Talk, Sundays, 11:15 am • Via Zoom Meeting login

You are invited to join with your LCH ‘ohana on Sundays for a virtual coffee talk following online worship. This discussion time will be via Zoom Meeting, and will run for approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

In order to avoid “Zoom bombing” (surprise visits from unsavory folks), you will need to contact Pastor Jeff, via email at pr.jeff@LCHwelcome.org, for a meeting number and password to log into the meeting. While these are not ideal gathering circumstances, we can at least enjoy a chance to commune together briefly.

Live Gospel of Mark

Sundays, August 2 through 23, 6:30 pm • live-stream on the LCH Facebook page

Performed by one actor who speaks directly to the audience as if delivering the “good news” for the first time, this theatrical presentation brings to life the words, deeds, and story of Jesus directly from the Bible. This multi-year collaboration between Maseeh Ganjali (director) and Mark Branner (actor) was to have been performed at LCH during the Feast of Saint Mark, in April 2020. Now, the entire Gospel of Mark will be presented over four weeks, live-streaming on the LCH Facebook page during the first four Sundays in August.

Leadership Roundtable

Monday, August 3, 6:30 pm • Via Zoom Meeting invitation

Committee chairs and team leaders, please plan to gather for a short (45 minute) meeting. This month’s meeting will be conducted via the Zoom online meeting platform. Please refer to your email for the Zoom Meeting details. 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, you will receive an email from Pastor Jeff, via Zoom Meeting, regarding login information. Please be prepared to share a little information on your activities with the group. Mahalo!

Book of Faith Bible Study

Thursdays, 10:00–11:45 am • Online via Zoom meeting login

The Book of Faith Bible Study usually meets on Thursday mornings in the LCH Boardroom. However, during the statewide “stay at home” mandate, meetings have been conducted via the Zoom online meeting platform. All are welcome to join this lively discussion of the Biblical texts, relevant current events, and historical foundations. Please contact Pastor Jeff at pr.jeff@LCHwelcome.org to receive an invitation to the next Zoom Bible study discussion.

In Memoriam—Bill Fay

Saturday, August 8, 10:00 am • live-stream on the LCH Facebook page

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Mr. William “Bill” Fay, following a brief illness. Bill was a long-time member of the Lutheran Church of Honolulu ‘ohana. He was often the first face we saw when arriving for 10:30 worship on Sundays, or for concerts, because he was one of longest serving ushers at LCH. Bill also took responsibility for processing the audio recording of sermons and other tech related tasks.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bill’s family. A live-stream memorial service for Bill will be held August 8. A recording of the service will be available after the service on the LCH YouTube page.

Mary Magdalene Society

Online Happy Hour Saturdays, August 8 and 22, at 5:00 pm • Via Zoom meeting login

We will continue to invite LGBTQI members and friends of LCH to prepare their favorite beverage and pupu and gather for an online happy hour every other week during August. Those who are already on the Mary Magdalene mailing list will receive an email with directions for accessing the Zoom meeting by the Wednesday before the scheduled meeting. If you don’t receive your invitation or want to be added to the mailing list, please contact Bill Potter, group facilitator, at bill.potter808@gmail.com to be added or for more information.

For August 8, we encourage participants to share about their first, or most intense, or most unusual job. A suggestion for August 22 will be included in the invitation for that evening.

Midweek Vespers in Honor of Nurses

Thursday, August 13, 7:00 pm • live-stream on the LCH Facebook page

On this day, the church remembers two self-sacrificing nurses, Florence Nightingale and Clara Maass, renewers of society. At a time when our medical professionals are giving of themselves at the front lines of a pandemic, we offer this service of thanksgiving for the work of nurses everywhere. A solo quartet featuring Naomi Barrett (soprano), Sarah Connelly (alto), Scott Fikse (bass), and Tomas Ramos (tenor) will offer music by beloved British composers Ralph Vaughan Williams, Charles Wood, and Derek Healey.

LCH Volunteer Work Day

Saturday, August 15, 9:00 am to noon

Please join us for a physically-distanced property workday at Lutheran Church of Honolulu. There is a variety of work to be done including pressure washing, gardening, painting, and general cleanup. LCH will provide needed tools, supplies, and sanitizing gel. Please bring your own face mask, water bottle, and gloves, and be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat. There will be work areas that are out of the sun, should you prefer it. Masks are required.

Please send an email to mundell5145@gmail.com to confirm plans to attend. This will help us plan what jobs to prepare for. Thank you in advance!

Food for Thought

Saturday, August 15, 5:00 pm, via Zoom online meeting

Food for Thought meets via Zoom meeting on August 15, which is the Feast of Mary, Mother of Our Lord, in the ELCA, the Assumption of Mary, or what Marlise grew up calling Ascension Day, but not to be confused with the Ascension of Jesus.

Zoom meeting works best if you download the free Zoom app beforehand. You may need to enable your microphone and video capabilities. If you are not already on the Food for Thought list, please contact Dr. Stephen Miller at stevedmiller.sm@gmail.com to receive an invitation to join the next Zoom Food for Thought meeting.

LCH Women’s Book Club

Monday, August 17, 10:00 am, via Zoom online meeting

LCH Women’s Book Club will meet via Zoom online meeting. The group will discuss Pachinko, by Min Jin Lee. Connecting to Zoom meeting works best if you download the free Zoom app beforehand. You may need to enable your microphone and video capabilities. If you are not already on the Book Club list, please contact Dr. Stephen Miller at stevedmiller.sm@gmail.com to receive an invitation to join the next Zoom online Book Club meeting.

Writers’ Workshop

Tuesday, August 18, 4:00 pm

Writers’ Workshop will meet via Zoom meeting, since restrictions on group meetings at LCH are still in effect. All are welcome! If you would like to participate, please contact Peter Flachsbart at pflachsbart@hawaiiantel.net for information on how to connect remotely.

Punahou Academy School Term Parking Begins

Monday–Friday, beginning August 19 • Church Lot & Poki Lot

The Punahou Academy fall semester begins Wednesday, August 19. 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 2021. 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 2021.

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

LCH continues our commitment to IHS to assist with feeding the homeless during these difficult times. Although stay-at-home orders may have relaxed a bit, we anticipate that all the requirements of social distancing, masks, sanitizing, etc. will still be in force. Therefore, only a small group will be asked to make sandwiches, and those individuals will be contacted directly by phone or email. We will keep you updated about when we can be back to our regular group. Thank you for your patience as we navigate our way through the uncertainty.

LCH OFFICE CLOSED—Friday, August 21

in observance of Hawai‘i Statehood Day

Vespers for the Feast of St. Bartholomew

Thursday, August 27, 7:00 pm • live-stream on the LCH Facebook page

Bartholomew (who many believe is referred to as “Nathanael” in John’s Gospel) was one of the first disciples called to “come and see,” and he is present on the shore of the Sea of Tiberius when the risen Christ invites his friends to “come and have breakfast” (John 21:12). Join us for a special vespers in honor of St. Bartholomew, featuring music of the great British composers Charles Wood, Robert Ramsey, and Herbert Howells. Organist Mark Wong and Director of Music and Liturgy Scott Fikse are joined by Sarah Connelly (alto), Tomás Ramos (tenor), and Naomi Barrett (soprano).

Volunteer Opportunity: LCH Website Team

We all know our website is the face of LCH to people outside of congregation. It tells people who we are and what goes on here, and it provides members of the LCH ‘ohana with information about both what happened in the past and what’s going on this month.

We’re all happy when visitors tell us they found us because of the website, and I hope we’re all proud of its professional appearance and the wealth of information available on the site. For years the LCH website has been my one-man labor of love and, while I’m happy to continue working hard to grow and maintain the site for long-term sustainability, we need to develop a team of several individuals to share the work and ensure continuity. So, I am looking for two or three members from the LCH ‘ohana to join the website team.

Work on the website requires basic knowledge of html, the language of webpages, but that can be taught and is not a prerequisite for joining the website team. What is required are commitment to the mission of LCH, a couple of hours a week that can be devoted to the website, an openness to learning new skills (like html coding), good basic computer skills, and a good internet connection.

If you have any question about what’s involved in being part of the website team or want to volunteer, please contact me at webmaster@lchwelcome.org.

Bill Potter, LCH webmaster

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.

Regular Offerings

While we are not able to meet in person, you are encouraged to mail your offering check directly to the church: Lutheran Church of Honolulu, 1730 Punahou Street, Honolulu HI 96822. If you would like to set up regular electronic funds transfer from your checking or savings account, forms are available at www.lchwelcome.org/support or can be requested by email to LCH@LCHwelcome.org. If you prefer to make a one time contribution or ongoing pledge by credit card, there is a link in the bottom right corner of each page of the church website or you can go directly to www.lchwelcome.org/donate. Thank you!

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 CLOSED—Monday, September 7

in observance of Labor Day

Electronic Funds Transfers for June

Offering Fund	Amount	Offering Fund	Amount
Offering	$7,369	Capital Improvements	$30
Music Fund/Instruments	$189	One Pot, One Hope	$20
Family Promise	$100	Angle Network	$20
Concert Fund	$50

Attendance and Offerings for July

Date	Worship Service	Attendance	Offering Fund	Amount
July 5	Online Worship	374 views	Offering	$4,629
			Social Ministries/IHS	$230
July 9	Midweek Vespers	175 views	Music Fund	$80
			Family Promise	$60
July 12	Online Worship	215 views	Domestic Relief	$6,821
			Concet Fund	$25
July 19	Online Worship	434 views	Offering	$11,781
			Family Promise	$330
July 23	Mary Magdalene Vespers	199 views	Music Fund	$20
			Social Ministries/IHS	$30
July 26	Online Worship	261 views	Music/Instruments	$10

HeartBeat Deadline

Tuesday, August 18, 9:00 am

Arnold, Barbara M.-F., the family of Bill Fay, Billy S., Colleen K., Greg, Judy M., Kathy M., Kathy S., Keahi, Kendra K., Patricia, Resi, Shirley S., Szewa, William, Yvonne

August Birthdays

08/03	Elizabeth Pearson
08/05	Nedra Walker
08/06	Sissy Arakawa
08/13	Alexa Sueda
08/14	Benjamin Fay
08/17	Gordon Wallace
08/18	Jean-Paul Klingebiel
08/24	Dennis Hethcote
08/27	Peggy Khan

Calendar: August 2020

Day	Date	Event and Time
Sunday	August 2	9:00 am, Online Adult Forum 10:00 am, Streaming Worship Service 11:15 am, Virtual Coffee Talk 6:30 pm, Gospel of Mark, live-stream
Monday	August 3	6:30 pm, Leadership Roundtable Zoom Meeting
Thursday	August 6	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study Zoom Meeting
Saturday	August 8	10:00 am, Bill Fay Memorial, live-stream 5:00 pm, Mary Magdalene Zoom Virtual Happy Hour
Sunday	August 9	9:00 am, Online Adult Forum 10:00 am, Streaming Worship Service 11:15 am, Virtual Coffee Talk 6:30 pm, Gospel of Mark, live-stream
Monday	August 10	6:00 pm, Worship & Music Zoom Meeting
Thursday	August 13	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study Zoom Meeting 7:00 pm, Vespers in Honor of Nurses, live-stream
Saturday	August 15	Food for Thought, Zoom Meeting
Sunday	August 16	9:00 am, Online Adult Forum 10:00 am, Streaming Worship Service 11:15 am, Virtual Coffee Talk 6:30 pm, Gospel of Mark, live-stream
Monday	August 17	10:00 am, Women’s Book Club, Zoom Meeting
Tuesday	August 18	HeartBeat Submissions Deadline 4:00 pm, Writers’ Workshop Zoom Meeting
Wednesday	August 19	Punahou Academy student parking at LCH begins 12:00 pm, Finance Committee, Zoom Meeting
Thursday	August 20	8:00 am, IHS Meal Prep (closed group, by assignment) 10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study Zoom Meeting
Friday	August 21	OFFICE CLOSED—Statehood Day Holiday
Saturday	August 22	5:00 pm, Mary Magdalene Zoom Virtual Happy Hour
Sunday	August 23	9:00 am, Online Adult Forum 10:00 am, Streaming Worship Service 11:15 am, Virtual Coffee Talk 6:30 pm, Gospel of Mark, live-stream
Tuesday	August 25	6:00 pm, Executive Council Zoom Meeting 6:30 pm, LCH Council Zoom Meeting
Thursday	August 27	10:00 am, Book of Faith Bible Study Zoom Meeting 7:00 pm, Vespers for the Feast of St. Bartholomew, live-stream
Sunday	August 30	9:00 am, Online Adult Forum 10:00 am, Streaming Worship Service 11:15 am, Virtual Coffee Talk