HeartBeat—July 2021

From Pastor Jeff

If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus….—Philippians 2:1-4

As I write this in late June, I find myself torn between joy and deep sorrow. June 17 marked the anniversary of the Emanuel Nine. It is a day the Evangelical Church in America set aside to remember nine siblings in Christ who were massacred while gathering for Bible study at Emanuel AME church in Charleston, South Carolina. The person who shot and killed them, self-confessed white supremacist Dillon Roof, was raised and confirmed in an ELCA church. Two of the pastors present for the Bible study were ELCA seminary graduates. As Bishop Eaton said at the 2019 Churchwide Assembly, where a resolution was passed to offer a yearly commemoration of the Emanuel nine, Dillon Roof was “one of our own.” In many ways, our church’s Lake Wobegon image of ourselves was dashed. Hopefully we saw in Dillon Roof a shadow of the racism that lurks just below the surface of our best intentions.

I am sad because—in the midst of trying to hold myself and our church together through covid, hiring and training new staff, and planning to reopen the campus—I missed lifting up this commemoration. I missed this opportunity to remind myself and others that the work of anti-racism is, perhaps, the most important work we can be about. We missed a chance to lift up the connections between racism and poverty—the undeniable inequity for housing, lending, job opportunities, education and health care that exists because one race is held higher in stature than all the rest. I am sad because not only do these inequities exist in our world, but they live comfortably in the ELCA, and—if we are self-reflective—in our own congregation, and—without question—in me. But sadness is really not all that helpful, is it? If remorse, or sadness, or self-awareness do not lead to transformative action, then they are wasted and self-indulgent conceits. Paul’s letter to the Philippians counseled them past an accommodating faith to one transformed in Christ. He championed risky faith strengthened in the humility of Christ and tempered with love so strong it can actually upset our well-planned apple cart so that all things might be transformed. Imagine if we really did put others first, act out interest for those most in need, and put ourselves to be of the same transformed mind of Christ. That’s a vision that puts the average congregational strategic plan to shame.

Two days later, my sorrow turned to joy as legislators recognized Juneteenth as an official federal holiday. June 19, 1865, marked the day when a Union general announced and enforced General Order 3 declaring institutional slavery ended in Texas, the last state to do so. Celebrated since 1865, it has taken our nation a very long time indeed to mark this day as a federal holiday. My joy is rooted in the hope that citizens of the U.S. and members of our churches will see in this action by Congress the importance of acknowledging our past, so that our future can be brighter. Think about it; institutional slavery was the law, or at least the practice, of a good slice of our nation only 150 years ago. The legacy of slavery plays out every second in a million experiences of injustice, inequity, and violence against people of color. While we rejoice at the small step of recognition, there is so much more to be done. There is a transformation of ourselves, our church, and our nation to undertake so that one day we can see one another with eyes of love and treat one another as true siblings in Christ.

I don’t have any answers for you today. I am struggling to understand the depth and breadth of my own racism, and I hope you will struggle with me as we listen to a community suffering, dying, and being born anew in these remarkable times. And I pray that you will join me setting aside the things that matter less and turning our attention to the work I believe Christ is leading us to. We begin today by remembering the Emanuel Nine. Pray their names aloud. Hear their names in your ear. And remember they too, are Christ’s dearest beloved, and so are you.

Let us pray. Clementa C. Pinckney, Cynthia Marie Graham Hurd, Susie Jackson, Ethel Lee Lance, DePayne Middleton-Doctor, Tywanza Sanders, Daniel Lee Simmons, Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, and Myra Thompson.

Blessings,
Pastor Jeff

Introducing Brenda Barrios, LCH Parish Administrator

Brenda Barrios was born in Toronto, Canada, and grew up in the Greater Los Angeles area. Recently she and her family moved to Hawai‘i in response to a new call for her husband, an ELCA rostered minister. Brenda comes to us with extensive non-profit experience in church administration and operations working for parishes from the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the United Methodist Church. She is familiar with the natural rhythms and calendars of parish ministry and is a solutions-based leader.

Brenda is assisting her family in this new season as they settle into life in Hawai‘i. Most recently she took up standup paddle boarding as a hobby and is enjoying the close proximity to the ocean. She loves to spend time with her family and enjoys traveling and cooking. She is a mother of three children; Penelope, Amelie, and Hansel and wife to Moses, the senior pastor of Calvary by the Sea Lutheran Church in ‘Āina Haina. They currently reside in Hawai‘i Kai.

LCH Office Hours

• Monday—9:00 am to 1:00 pm
• Tuesday—9:00 am to 1:00 pm
• Wednesday—9:00 am to 1:00 pm
• Thursday—9:00 am to 1:00 pm
• Friday—9:00 am to 1:00 pm
• Saturday–Sunday—Closed

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 require masks for in-person interactions and recommend calling the office (808-941-2566) before dropping in to see Pastor Jeff or the administrator, as schedules may vary with appointments, other work commitments, and lunch breaks.

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).

Moving Out: Stewards of Justice

So far this year our theme “Stewards of God’s Love” has led us to consider how God’s love comes down to us and works in us. Now we are ready to explore how we move that love out into the world and share it with our neighbor, both near and far.

I’ll never forget my reaction when I first heard Pastor Jeff refer to Lutheran Church of Honolulu, as evangelical. I had both a visceral and physical response of fear and a recoiling at the thought that I might be like those “evangelical Christians.” It’s something that I now can both laugh at and feel embarrassed about.

The term “evangelical” comes from the Greek word euangelion, meaning “good news” or the “gospel.” Of course, the good news here is the message and the purpose of Jesus, paired with the idea that through God’s grace we may receive salvation.

When explained in this way, I felt the fear melt away as I understood the word was completely in line with the path we walk together at our congregation. But I confess to you, as I have to others, that I have frequently chosen to not use the word evangelical in describing my faith. I have been much more comfortable calling myself a Lutheran rather than a Christian, and a Christian rather than an evangelical.

Perhaps the shortcoming is my own, but I think you can understand how I might respond this way to seeing angry, judgmental, and inflexible people passing judgment on others who they feel are not worthy of grace while proudly calling themselves evangelical.

As followers of Jesus and believers in the Good News, we are called to seek and pursue justice. But I’ve found that mouthing a slogan pales in comparison to acting on it. One of the ways I’ve moved to call for justice is through civic based actions: signing petitions for the environment, human rights, and progressive plans. I also participate regularly in protests and civil gatherings of support for just causes (abolishing apartheid, countering discrimination, protecting animal rights, and fighting violence, to name a few). The humble action of making sandwiches for IHS at LCH fills my soul with love in immeasurable ways. Each of these, I feel, is part of the many-faceted ways we can lead lives of love, justice and grace.

“Love one another,” we are told, was the last lesson Jesus shared with his disciples. It’s the one I return to and try to live on a daily basis. Some days are easier than others, but I understand the power of this command lies in its difficulty.

From this understanding that difficult things can wield important lessons, I have tried to weave the term evangelical into my conversations more frequently. I see it as an opportunity to help reclaim a word that describes something nothing less than miraculous: the mystery of faith, the necessity of understanding, and the gift that is grace. This is Good News, indeed, as well as a call to be stewards of justice in our world.

Willow Chang on behalf of the Stewardship Team:
Peggy Anderson, Pam Buckley, Willow Chang, Phyllis Hörmann, Barbara Poole-Street, Bill Potter

2021 Pacific Synod Assembly Report—“Sent out with Good News—John 20:20”

This assembly was held on May 1 using Zoom to connect over 300 members flawlessly. The theme “Sent out with Good News” was the center of the gathering and prepared our synod to go out into “new world” for ministry.

To meet the assembly theme, synod leaders accomplished three goals in three areas: education, inspiration, and the constitution requirements. Bishop Andy Taylor and various synod workers did a great job updating us members. We celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the ordination of the first women, the fortieth anniversary of the first women of color, and the tenth anniversary of officially ordaining individuals in same-gender committed relationships.

We learned about the synod financial activities. The synod financial committee went into detail informing us of the $3.9 million collected and the $2.3 million disbursed. $784,495 went toward synod ministries and administration, $666,144 went to the ELCA, $736,640 to congregation-designated gifts, and $114,729 went to grants to institution and agencies. It was inspirational to know our money made a huge difference in this past year.

Women pastors led the bible studies. There were many inspiring visual presentations of the various agencies supported by the synod: Agape San Diego, Lutheran Social Services of Southern California, and ELCA Domestic and Global Relief to name a few.

The assembly voted on several resolutions and selected various committee members. Newly-elected from our Hukilau Conference (all from Joy of Christ) are Pastor JP Sabbithi for the position of Color/Primary Language other than English, Dana Westphalen for Synod Committee member for Hawai‘i, Michele Matsuda to the Discipline Committee lay person, and Lloyd Puckett as the Hawai‘i voting delegate to the ELCA assembly for 2021.

Thank you for letting us represent our church. We look forward to Synod Programs planned for this coming year.

Voting Members Larry Anderson and Ayesha Nibbe

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, July 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, 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!

LCH Summer Jazz Series

As our First Mondays Concerts break for the summer, Lutheran Church of Honolulu is proud to introduce our first ever Summer Jazz Series. Join us for a monthly concert featuring outstanding local players and singers. Our programs are planned for the live stream format, but hybrid in-person/livestream performances may take place as restrictions ease. For livestream, the concert will be on our streaming page and the LCH Facebook page and then archived on the LCH Facebook page.

Jazz Evolution (Friday, July 2, 7:00 pm)—Summer Jazz continues with a quartet led by our very own Reid Ishikawa and including Jeremy Lawi on drums, Alika Lyman on bass, and Allen Won on sax. This outstanding combo will play through a historical sampler of jazz music composed by some of the genre’s greats, including pieces by Louis Armstrong, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, and more. The quartet will be joined by a surprise guest vocalist or two.

Tribute to Manhattan Transfer (Friday, August 20, 7:00 pm)—Enjoy a night of vocal jazz in the swinging styles of legendary groups like Manhattan Transfer, New York Voices, and Singers Unlimited. Wearing a hat from a previous life with Celebration Vocal Jazz, music director Scott Fikse and pianist Reid Ishikawa will be joined by a talented vocal and instrumental ensemble to share a fabulous evening of unforgettable music.

Summer Schedules

We hope to get back to some level of in-person worship this summer, possibly in mid-July. Typically, there is 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 website calendar or the HeartBeat newsletter for monthly scheduling information.

Sunday School on Vacation for the Summer

During the summer, there is no Sunday school. Beginning in September, LCH will offer Sunday school for children from kindergarten through senior high. Look for future information about how and where we will be meeting. In the meantime, have a great summer!

Adult Forum

Sundays at 9:00 am • Via Zoom Meeting

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.

LCH OFFICE CLOSED

Monday, July 5, in observance of Independence Day

Leadership Roundtable

Tuesday, July 6, 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!

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.

E-Waste Recycling

Saturday, July 10, 9:00–11:00 am • Central Union Church

A going-green event is going to be held at the Central Union Church in the Punahou Street parking lot. covid-19 safety requirement: everyone must wear a mask and maintain social distancing. Acceptable items include: computers, monitors, printers, scanners, one TV per car, lead-acid batteries only, aluminum and plastic HI-5 beverage containers only, used eyeglasses and hearing aids, prom dresses, women’s business apparel and accessories, other usable clothing, towels, blankets, and canned goods. For more informations please contat by email at Rene Mansho at renemansho@hawaii.rr.com or call 808-291-6151. Click here for e-waste recycling flyer.

Mary Magdalene Society Potluck and Game Night

Isenberg Hall • Saturday, July 17, at 6:00 pm

Now that all our regular Mary Magdalene participants have been vaccinated, we invite fully-vaccinated LGBTQI members and friends of LCH to return to the LCH campus for a potluck and game night. The event will be carried out in compliance with LCH, City and County, and State mandates, so RSVPs will be required. Final details, including instructions for making reservations, will be distributed by email to those who are already on the Mary Magdalene mailing list about a week prior to the event. Please contact Bill Potter, group facilitator, at bill.potter808@gmail.com to be added the mailing list or for more information.

Writers’ Workshop

Tuesday, July 20, 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@gmail.com for information on how to connect remotely.

Food for Thought

Saturday, July 24, at 5:30 pm • the home of David Hörmann

Food for Thought will be doing a trial run, hybrid in-person gathering, at the home of David Hörmann. We will limit attendance to 10. The first 10 to RSVP to Phyllis Hörmann via email or phone may come in person. Please have masks. We will begin with a Zoom option to include those who are either living elsewhere or didn’t RSVP in time to make the first 10 list. Please contact the church office (808-941-2566) for additional information

LCH Women’s Book Club

The LCH Book Club is taking a summer break and will not be meeting during the months of July and August. Our September book is The Yellow House: Van Gogh, Gauguin, and Nine Turbulent Weeks in Arles by Martin Gayford.

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.

Second Quarter Giving Statements

Giving statements for the second quarter will be distributed via email during the week after Independence Day. Statements to anyone who has given $25 or more this calendar year will be generated by the church’s accounting software and sent as PDF attachments to emails from statements@LCHwelcome.org. If the church does not have your email address, the statement will be mailed to your address in the accounting software. If you have given $25 or more and do not receive a statement by the July 9, please check your spam/folder first, and if it is not there, please let me know at fin-sec@LCHwelcome.org, and I will make sure you get a statement.

Bill Potter, financial secretary

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.

Electronic Funds Transfers for May

Offering Fund	Amount	Offering Fund	Amount
Offering	$10,680	Concert Fund	$50
Music/Instrument	$305	Angel Network	$20
Family Promise	$150	One Pot, One Hope	$20
Capital Improvements	$55

Attendance and Offerings for June

Date	Worship Service	Attendance	Offering Fund	Amount
June 6	Streaming Worship	260 views	Offerings	$8,525
	Streaming Compline	74 views	Family Promise	$130
			Music Fund	$125
			Social Ministries/IHS	$50
June 13	Streaming Worship	252 views	Domestic Relief	$30
			Capital Improvements	$25
			Wunded Warriors	$20
June 20	Streaming Worship	222 views	Offerings	$2,930
			Family Promise	$100
			Social Ministries/IHS	$50
Attendance for June 27 not available at time of publication

HeartBeat Deadline

Tuesday, July 20, 9:00 am

Alyssa B., the family of Anita B. and Malissa T., Arnold, Billy S., Bruce H., Colleen K., Greg, Judy M., Karen and Richard E., Kathy M., Kathy S., Kawai S., Keahi, Kendra K., Lori W., Michael, Patricia, the family of Pilar C., Pomai S., Resi, Tim S. and family, William, and those we name in our hearts. Be with the dying and their families, especially Jean Lilley’s father Elwin.

July Birthdays

07/02	David Del Rocco
07/07	Ann C. DeVallee
07/08	Linda Miller
07/16	Whitney Walker
07/17	Bill Potter
07/19	Shane Shelton (Kaeo)
07/22	Christopher Khan
07/23	Karen Fay
07/24	Savannah McCreary
07/25	Georgine Stark

Calendar: July 2021

Day	Date	Event and Time
Thursday	July 1	10:00 am, Bible Study Zoom Meeting 6:00 pm, Restorative Yoga Zoom Class
Friday	July 2	7:00 pm, Summer Jazz: Jazz Evolution
Sunday	July 4	9:00 am, Adult Forum Zoom Meeting 10:00 am, Streaming Worship Service 11:15 am, Virtual Coffee Talk Zoom Meeting
Monday	July 5	LCH Office closed for Independence Day
Tuesday	July 6	6:30 pm, Leadership Roundtable Zoom Meeting
Thursday	July 8	10:00 am, Bible Study Zoom Meeting 6:00 pm, Restorative Yoga Zoom Class
Sunday	July 11	9:00 am, Adult Forum Zoom Meeting 10:00 am, Streaming Worship Service 11:15 am, Virtual Coffee Talk Zoom Meeting
Monday	July 12	6:30 pm, Worship and Music Zoom Meeting
Thursday	July 15	10:00 am, Bible Study Zoom Meeting noon, IHS Brown Bag Meal Prep (closed group) 6:00 pm, Restorative Yoga Zoom Class
Sunday	July 18	9:00 am, Adult Forum Zoom Meeting 10:00 am, Streaming Worship Service 11:15 am, Virtual Coffee Talk Zoom Meeting
Saturday	July 17	6:00 pm, Mary Magdalene Potluck and Game Night
Tuesday	July 20	HeartBeat Submissions Deadline
		4:30 pm, Writers’ Workshop Zoom Meeting
Wednesday	July 21	noon, Finance Committee, Zoom Meeting
Thursday	July 22	10:00 am, Bible Study Zoom Meeting 6:00 pm, Restorative Yoga Zoom Class
Saturday	July 24	5:30 pm, Food for Thought at David Hörmann’s
Sunday	July 25	9:00 am, Adult Forum Zoom Meeting 10:00 am, Streaming Communion Service 11:15 am, Virtual Coffee Talk Zoom Meeting
Tuesday	July 27	6:00 pm, Executive Council Zoom Meeting 6:30 pm, LCH Council Zoom Meeting
Thursday	July 29	10:00 am, Bible Study Zoom Meeting 6:00 pm, Restorative Yoga Zoom Class