HeartBeat—March 2021

From Pastor Jeff

The Life Cycle of a Butterfly

Back in the olden days, when teachers needed a bit of a break or wanted to expand our horizons, they would show nature films to the class. Some of the most memorable for me were films describing the life of the polar bears living on the edge of the ice pack, like other-worldly marauders from an icy planet far, far away. Another favorite showed lemmings running after one another over a cliff (particularly delightful to a 10-year-old boy). But one always stuck in my head more than any other: “The Life Cycle of a Butterfly.”

We watched the opening scene of a butterfly, resplendent in color, laying its eggs on a broad leaf. Once born, the caterpillar’s sole purpose in life was to eat, grow, eat, and grow. (Again, very appealing to a 10-year-old boy.) Finally, the now chubby caterpillar attached itself to a stem and carefully wove around itself a silken coat. Through the magic of filmography, we witnessed what was going on inside the gray-brown shell where, in darkness, something strange was beginning. At first all was quiet. Then, a pupae formed and, finally, the first stirrings of the butterfly as it split open its ragged shell and emerged, wrinkled and compressed, looking like neither caterpillar nor butterfly! Hanging upside down on a sunlit branch where it emerged, the folded stumps on the butterfly’s side warm in the sun and slowly filled with fluid and began to unfold. Soon, as light and warmth took hold, wrinkles ironed out and lovely, functional wings appeared like a miracle before our eyes. One thing, a caterpillar, had somehow became something altogether different, and yet very much the same.

As a 10-year-old boy I was fascinated, not only by the science of the metamorphosis, but also by the mysterious beauty I had just witnessed. Of course, I had seen thousands of butterflies and picked hundreds of caterpillars off my mom’s chrysanthemums, but it had never occurred to me that one was the other. Nor had I pondered the perilous and beautiful journey required to bring about that metamorphosis. A butterfly may lay hundreds or even thousands of eggs, but few make it to adulthood with most falling victim to disease, predation, and 10-year-old boys picking them off the mums for their mum. But when the cycle is complete, not even Steven Spielberg can compete for the sheer, amazing beauty that begins a new life.

The memory of that movie came to me as I pondered plans for the Lenten journey and Easter joy coming over the next few weeks. A year in COVID restrictions feels a bit like an extended time wrapped in a cocoon, waiting for the next stage of life, waiting for darkness to give way to light. But as we hang here waiting for the next thing, God is at work in us and perhaps we are at work with God as well. At our best, we are learning to live with one another in new ways, growing new skills, and learning to adapt. At our worst, our weak and broken spots are rising to the top and we feel trapped by the silken threads woven by our own hand and the hands of others. But we are not yet done. We are not meant for confinement or darkness. The time will come when we too will emerge, warmed by God’s marvelous light, and know the joy of spreading wings and dazzling color. And, perhaps, we will be the same and yet very different than when we started. But still, we will be made to serve the world, enriched by God’s love that makes all things new.

Blessings,
Pastor Jeff

Update on LCH’s Community Garden Progress

Our garden is growing! The first bed is nearly complete, and we have a plethora of squash and cucumber and a few beans and peas ready to be planted! Look for opportunities in the month of March to continue to meet our Blue Zones goals, to help put these plants in the first bed, and to start more seeds. Preliminary garden volunteer dates and times are Tuesday, March 2, at 5:00 pm and Thursday, March 18, at noon. Our next batch of seeds will come mostly from the University of Hawai’i, which has developed septs specifically for the climate here in Hawai’i.

Aloha,
Bree

LCH Office Hours During COVID-19 Precautions

The LCH office and church campus are generally closed to in-person meetings and gatherings 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).

Looking In: Stewards of Stuff

Our stewardship theme for the current year, “Stewards of God’s Love,” focuses on how God’s love comes down, works in us, and moves out into the world. During December, January, and February, we explored aspects of God’s love coming down and how we act as stewards of the story, God’s grace, and God’s Creation. In March we begin looking in to discover all the resources that God has entrusted to our care. We begin by considering our role as Stewards of Stuff.

By the time you read this, Christians worldwide will have embarked upon our Lenten journey. Having spent a third of my life as a “spiritual freelancer,” with the other components firmly rooted in both Lutheran and Buddhist traditions, I confess I wasn’t aware of the depth of what the season offers.

Lent is often shrouded and presented in terms of “sacrifice.” Much is made of the actions surrounding it: Shrove (Fat) Tuesday indulging of sweets, Ash Wednesday’s parade of believers with smudge marked foreheads, and abstention from “pleasure.” (As a child, I remember McDonald’s offering Fillet-o-Fish, for the meat abstaining.) As a person married to pageantry, ritual, and celebration to mark events and build community, I’m now aware there’s so much more to Lent.

Pastor Jeff several seasons ago explained the meaning of repentance, translation of the Greek word metanoia. Wikipedia explains, “In the New Testament, the word translated as ‘repentance’ is the Greek word μετάνοια (metanoia), ‘after/behind one’s mind,’ which is a compound word of the preposition ‘meta’ (after, with) and the verb ‘noeo’ (to perceive, to think, the result of perceiving or observing).”

Often, reflection is referred to as mindfulness (possibly inspired by Buddhist traditions of sati). In reflection, not only following an action, but ideally preceding it, one can invite true and genuine change. We can see patterns arise, what’s done out of habit, and encourage a shift, simply from a practice of reflection. Repent indeed!

I’ve come to anticipate the profound awareness and sacred awakenings of Lent, fine-tuned because of the absence of what we have chosen to “set aside.” This awakening gives priority to reflection and might manifest as a daily walk, mindful eating, slower and with purpose, or simply being kind to yourself, which can transform into compassion for others.

By shifting of our attention away from consumption and the habits we clinging to, we become better stewards of the stuff entrusted to us, and we experience grace, where our actions embrace the abundant, meaningful, and joyous Spirit of God.

Every blessing,
Willow Chang for your Stewardship Team
Peggy Anderson, Pam Buckley, Willow Chang, Phyllis Hörmann, Barbara Poole-Street, Bill Potter

First Mondays Concert: The Lamentations of Jeremiah

Monday, March 1 • 7:00 pm • Via Livestream Broadcast

The Lamentations of Jeremiah are five poems in the form of laments for Jerusalem and Judah, invaded and devastated by the Babylonians in 586 BCE. These moving elegies have inspired composers for centuries, perhaps most famously English Renaissance composer Thomas Tallis.

A sextet of singers will bring the Lamentations to life for our March First Mondays Concert. Accompanied by organist Mark Wong and joined by Duane Padilla (violin) and Aris Doike (cello), the ensemble will perform the first section of Tallis’s lush setting, as well as Charles Gounod’s composition inspired by the defeat of France in the Franco-Prussian War (1870–71). Other laments and works of consolation will make up this strikingly beautiful program.

Our sextet is made up of Georgine Stark and Naomi Barrett, sopranos; Sarah Lambert Connelly, mezzo-soprano; Bowe Souza and Tomás Ramos, tenors; and Scott Fikse, bass-baritone.

The concert will be livestreamed on our Worship Services page and the LCH Facebook page and then archived on the LCH Facebook page. The concert is free; donations to support the concert series are gladly accepted.

Leadership Roundtable

Tuesday, March 2, 6:30 pm • Via Zoom Meeting

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!

Midweek Lenten Vespers

Wednesdays, March 3, 10, 17, & 24, 7:00 pm • Via Livestream Broadcast

Please join us for streaming midweek Lenten services. Holden Evening prayer will begin at 7:00 on Wednesday evenings during Lent with the theme “From Darkness into Light.” Each service will approach the theme from a different perspective including spirituality, care of earth, and mental health using music, imagery, art, and proclamation to draw us deeper into God’s presence. Members of Writers’ Workshop will provide much of the proclamation texts.

You are encouraged to prepare for the service ahead of time by setting your worship space with a candle to light during evening prayer. We pray you will join us each week as we prepare for the joy of Easter.

The Midweek Lenten Vespers will be livestreamed on our Worship Services page and 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.

Book of Faith Bible Study

Thursdays, 10:00–11:45 am • Via Zoom Meeting

The Book of Faith Bible Study meets on Thursday mornings via the Zoom online meeting platform for the duration of the pandemic. 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.

Restorative Yoga

Thursdays, March 4, 11, 18, and 25, at 6:00 pm • Via Zoom Meeting

Explore the restorative and ancient practice of yoga, led by LCH member Willow Chang. As a yoga practitioner for over 30 years, Willow shares the joy, wonder, and enthusiasm of a beginner. She emphasizes the origins, cultural context, and safe practice of yoga for all. In this 4-week session, she’ll share various aspects of yoga, from pranayama (breathing exercises) and yogic philosophy (ahimsa), to poses, referred to as asanas.

Join for one, two, or all four sessions from the safety of your own shelter-in-place. These unique classes also provide an opportunity to answer your questions about yoga practice and form. You don’t need yoga pants, previous experience, youth, flexibility, or any real-life experience in India to learn about yoga. Bring your amazing self to be in wonder of your abilities! Please contact Willow Chang (willowchang@hotmail.com) to be included in the weekly Zoom meeting invitation. Let’s learn and find a new center, together!

Godly Play

Sundays at 9:00 am • Via Zoom Meeting

We have Sunday school via a Zoom meeting each Sunday, before service. This class is geared toward children in kindergarten through fifth grade. A story will be followed by a craft which we can make together. Each Saturday, the link for the meeting will be sent via email to all who want to join. Please contact the LCH office (lch@LCHwelcome.org) to be added to the invitation list. All are welcome!

Below is the schedule of Godly Play stories for March:

• 3/7—The Faces of Easter V and VI
• 3/14—Saint Patrick object box
• 3/21—Seder Meal
• 3/28—The Faces of Easter VII

Adult Forum

Sundays at 9:00 am • Via Zoom Meeting

During the first few Sundays in March, Adult Form will continue with a series on types of prayer led by Dr. Stephen Miller. All are welcome to join the Adult Forum Zoom meetings, live Sunday mornings. Participation in Adult Forum via Zoom 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 this list for the Adult Forum, 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

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.

Compline

Sundays, March 7 and 21, 7:30 pm • Via Livestream Broadcast

We warmly invite all people in all places of faith and life to Compline. Offered on the first and third Sundays of each month, this beautiful candle-lit service is a meditative experience of a cappella singing and chanting to commemorate the day’s end, featuring the LCH Men’s Schola. Musical selections include Gregorian chant, Taizé chant, Renaissance polyphony, and more.

Compline will be livestreamed on our Worship Services page and the LCH Facebook page.

Mary Magdalene Society

Online Happy Hour Saturdays, March 13 and 27, at 5:00 pm • Via Zoom Meeting

We 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. 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 March 13, we will talk about TV shows we have been enjoying while spending extra time at home in addition to our usual convivial conversation. A suggestion for March 27 will be included in the invitation for that evening.

LCH Women’s Book Club

Monday, March 15, 10:00 am, • Via Zoom Meeting

LCH Women’s Book Club will meet via Zoom online meeting. The group will discuss Traces of Vermeer by Jane Jelley. 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 Juditha Murashige at jcmurashige@earthlink.net to receive an invitation to join the next Zoom online Book Club meeting. All are welcome.

Writers’ Workshop

Tuesday, March 16, 4:30 pm • Via Zoom Meeting

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.

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.

Updating Prayer Requests

Please help us to keep the Prayer Requests list relevant. If you have a friend or loved one who should remain on the list, we are glad to keep them in prayer. Please email the office to let us know when a name may be removed from the list.

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!

Save on Your Taxes!

For individuals taking required distributions from a retirement account, under the new tax law, if you give cash or check donations from your personal funds, you will be taxed on your distribution, and you may not be able to take the deduction. There are two ways to avoid this.

1. Donate directly to LCH from your IRA If you take money directly from your IRA to give to LCH, this increases your income and may increase your tax bracket. You may not be able to use the deduction because of the new, higher standard deduction. Give directly by telling your IRA provider to donate to the church—the account representative will do this easily.
2. Give appreciated stock directly to LCH. If you sell stock and then donate, it increases your tax bracket, and you may not be able to use the deduction because of the new, higher standard deduction. Instruct your broker to donate directly to LCH.

The church’s legal name and address is:

Lutheran Church of Honolulu (Note: There is no The in the title)
1730 Punahou Street, Honolulu, HI 96822

If you need the Federal Tax ID (EIN) or if you have questions, please contact Steve Miller. As always, please check with your tax advisors to determine what is appropriate for 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.

Electronic Funds Transfers for January

Offering Fund	Amount	Offering Fund	Amount
Offering	$9,920	Capital Improvements	$55
Music Fund/Instruments	$220	One Pot, One Hope	$20
Concert Fund	$150	Angle Network	$20
Family Promise	$120	Altar Flowers	$17

Attendance and Offerings for February

Date	Worship Service	Attendance	Offering Fund	Amount
Febrnuary 7	Streaming Worship	254 views	Offerings	$3,195
	Streaming Compline	81 views	Social Ministries/IHS	$120
			Wounded Warriors	$105
February 14	Streaming Worship	235 views	Concert Fund	$100
			Captal Improvements	$100
			Family Promise	$60
			Domestic Relief	30
February 21	Streaming Worship	179 views	Offerings	$2,400
	Streaming Compline	130 views	Wounded Warriors	$100
			Family Promise	$100
			Capital Improvements	$100
			Social Ministries/IHS	$50
Attendance for February 28 not available at time of publication

HeartBeat Deadline

Tuesday, March 16, 9:00 am

Alyssa, Arnold, Barbara M.-F., the family of Anita B. and Malissa T., Billy S., Bruce H., Colleen K., Greg, Judy M., Karen and Richard E., Kathy M., Kathy S., Kawai S., Keahi, Kendra K., Michael, Patricia, Pomai S., Resi, the family of Ryan I., William

March Birthdays

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

Calendar: March 2021

Day	Date	Event and Time
Monday	March 1	7:00 pm, First Mondays Concert Livestream
Tuesday	March 2	5:00 pm, Garden Volunteer Day 6:30 pm, Leadership Roundtable Zoom Meeting
Wednesday	March 3	7:00 pm, Streaming Lenten Vespers
Thursday	March 4	10:00 am, Bible Study Zoom Meeting 6:00 pm, Restorative Yoga Zoom Class
Sunday	March 7	9:00 am, Godly Play Zoom Meeting 9:00 am, Adult Forum Zoom Meeting 10:00 am, Streaming Worship Service 11:15 am, Virtual Coffee Talk Zoom Meeting 7:30 7m, Streaming Compline Service
Monday	March 8	6:30 pm, Worship & Music Zoom Meeting
Wednesday	March 10	7:00 pm, Streaming Lenten Vespers
Thursday	March 11	10:00 am, Bible Study Zoom Meeting 6:00 pm, Restorative Yoga Zoom Class
Saturday	March 13	5:00 pm, Mary Magdalene Virtual Happy Hour
Sunday	March 14	9:00 am, Godly Play Zoom Meeting 9:00 am, Adult Forum Zoom Meeting 10:00 am, Streaming Worship Service 11:15 am, Virtual Coffee Talk Zoom Meeting
Monday	March 15	10:00 am, Women’s Book Club Zoom Meeting
Tuesday	March 16	HeartBeat Submissions Deadline 4:30 pm, Writers’ Workshop Zoom Meeting
Wednesday	March 17	noon, Finance Committee, Zoom Meeting 7:00 pm, Streaming Lenten Vespers
Thursday	March 18	10:00 am, Bible Study Zoom Meeting noon, Garden Volunteer Day noon, IHS Brown Bag Meal Prep (closed group) 6:00 pm, Restorative Yoga Zoom Class
Sunday	March 21	9:00 am, Godly Play Zoom Seder Meal 9:00 am, Adult Forum Zoom Meeting 10:00 am, Streaming Worship Service 11:15 am, Virtual Coffee Talk Zoom Meeting 7:30 7m, Streaming Compline Service
Tuesday	March 23	6:00 pm, Executive Council Zoom Meeting 6:30 pm, LCH Council Zoom Meeting
Wednesday	March 24	7:00 pm, Streaming Lenten Vespers
Thursday	March 25	10:00 am, Bible Study Zoom Meeting 6:00 pm, Restorative Yoga Zoom Class
Saturday	March 27	5:00 pm, Mary Magdalene Virtual Happy Hour
Sunday	March 28	Palm Sunday 9:00 am, Godly Play Zoom Meeting 9:00 am, Adult Forum Zoom Meeting 10:00 am, Streaming Worship Service 11:15 am, Virtual Coffee Talk Zoom Meeting
Wednesday	March 31	7:00 pm, Streaming Lenten Vespers