HeartBeat—September 2021

From Pastor Jeff

Fear and Desperation

The other morning, I woke to images on the news of the unfolding tragedy in Afghanistan. Children, men, and women were clinging to the undercarriage of a U.S. military transport plane full of refugees bound for Qatar. Desperate to escape what for some will be certain death, children were handed up and over a fence erected at the airport in Kabul. Military personnel in the U.S and abroad are working tirelessly to gain permission for Afghan citizens who worked with and for them during the long war out of the country as promised. At the same time, many women in the country report being afraid for their lives as one government collapses and another begins to form. Promises of education, equality, and hope seem to be disappearing before their eyes.

The story in Afghanistan is one of too many tragedies playing out across the world. Ravages of COVID-19 in under-resourced countries is almost unimaginable. As the Delta variant rages here in the U.S. and we consider how to deploy booster vaccines, many poor countries have yet to receive even a first shot to a meaningful percentage of their population. Haiti, already suffering under crushing poverty and political turmoil, has been devastated by an earthquake. We could go on and on. There is enough suffering to go around.

The common denominator in each story, each image, and each event is fear and desperation. Some people pedal fear with guns, threats, and violence seeking to gain power at any cost of human life or dignity. Others are victims of disasters of nature and human influenced climate change finding their homes crumbling around them as the earth shakes unmercifully or as floods and droughts wipe out crops, towns, cities, and hope. Still others fall victim to indifference, social systems devoid of compassion and equity, and unbalanced economic systems that pit the uber-rich against pretty much everyone else. Houselessness, lack of meaningful medical care for the poor, wage inequity, and discrimination are the result. For those on the receiving end, fear and desperation become the currency of life.

Just writing these two paragraphs has left me exhausted; especially since I could write a hundred more paragraphs just like them and not even begin to touch the enormity of pain the world is facing. Like you, I wonder, ”Where do we start? How can we help? Can we make any difference at all or should we just stop worrying about it and get on with our lives?”

I wish there was an easy answer—there isn’t. But at the core of our Christian faith there is hope in God who stands with us and hope in a God who sends us out for the sake of the world. In God’s abiding love I am finding the courage to pray every day for those in need. I name them one by one, need after need, person after person like a litany. It’s not that God needs the reminder; I do. I pray for Nicolett’s Afghan friends who traveled to Kabul just before the U.S pull out. I pray for sisters and brothers in the small islands around the world inundated by sea level rise. I pray for women, children, and men who have no way out of poverty. I pray for the heads of states and companies who seem to have lost sight of the millions of citizens and employees who toil each day not just for a better life, but for any life at all. It may not seem like much, but prayer is an amazing gift for those who need it, including me.

Second, although I cannot reach out my hand in comfort to those in need, I can share my wealth with organizations that can and do help those in need. Donations to Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service is one of the best ways we can support those in need around the world. They know what to do and are doing it. Locally, we can support the Food Bank of Hawai‘i, Angel Network, and Institute for Human Services. And we can even make a personal effort to lower our carbon footprint, use alternative energy, and preserve natural habitat—the lungs and soul of Mother Earth.

Finally, I pray for you. I imagine you may feel as sad and angry as I do. Let us hold one another in arms of prayer, as God’s loved and sent people.

Blessings,
Pastor Jeff

LCH Office Hours

• Monday—Closed
• 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).

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.

Moving Out: Stewards of the Global Community

We continue with our theme “Stewards of God’s Love.” We began our year by thinking about how God’s love comes down to us and works in us. Now we are exploring how we move that love out into the world and share it with our neighbors, both near and far. We do this in response to Jesus’ admonition: “Just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40).

Last month we looked at how we are stewards of our local community. By way of Cathy Baptista’s inspiring video, we witnessed our IHS team in action, preparing, and delivering bag lunches for our houseless neighbors.

This month we look at how we can be stewards of our global community using the resources that God has entrusted to us. Sometimes it can seem more difficult to relate to the distant neighbor we cannot see than to those we see around us every day. However, LCH has a history of reaching around to care through national and international Lutheran agencies and other faith organizations.

Over the years our congregation has participated in letter-writing campaigns coordinated by Bread for the World, an organization which describes itself as “a collective Christian voice urging our nation’s decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad.” Bread for the World invites congregations to gather an “offering of letters to congress on legislation that impacts hungry and poor people.” Through such an offering of letters, we become advocates in the effort to end world hunger.

Your Stewardship Team, in cooperation with our Social Ministry Committee, is reviving this tradition. We ask that you write letters to your US representative (Ed Case or Kai Kahele) and your two senators (Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz) in support of making the expanded child tax credit permanent and increasing US funding for global nutrition programs. There’s even a template for your letters This line will download the Word document to your computer. You’re welcome to use it as written or adapt it using your own thoughts and experiences or some additional ideas include in the file.

Once you have written your letters (either by hand or typed), you can drop them off at the church by September 30 for us to mail, or you can mail them yourself using the addresses in the template. If you choose to mail the letters yourself, please email us at commitments@LCHwelcome.org and let us know who you sent letters to. We will then report our results to Bread for the World.

If writing letters is not your thing or you want to do more, there are many other urgent needs both nationally and internationally.

• California synods are asking for support due to raging wildfires. They are collecting funds and working in partnership with Lutheran Disaster Relief as well as Lutheran Social Services of Northern California. Lutheran Disaster Relief and Lutheran World Relief provide “food, medical care and hope to the most vulnerable/fragile communities around the world.”
• Refugees are desperate to flee Afghanistan following the military pullout of U.S. Forces. Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, a partner ministry of the ELCA, is a key resource in providing services, resettlement, and support for refugees.
• The devastating earthquake in southwest Haiti on Aug. 14 killed over 1,400 people, blocked roads delaying the delivery of vital supplies to overwhelmed and damaged least 26,000 homes. Compounding the problem, tropical Storm Grace caused severe flooding in communities already damaged by the earthquake. For over two decades, the ELCA has maintained a presence in southern Haiti through support for agricultural and sustainable development work. Lutheran Disaster Response is collaborating with partner organizations in the communities to meet relief needs, including food, water, medical supplies and temporary shelter.

Contributions may be made to these organizations through the Lutheran Church of Honolulu by designating them on the memo line of your check, or by donating on line. Please consider making a contribution and continue to lift up our neighbors both near and far in prayer.

With humble gratitude for the care and love you share with our neighbors,
Phyllis Hörmann and Bill Potter on behalf of the Stewardship Team:
Peggy Anderson, Pam Buckley, Willow Chang, Phyllis Hörmann, Barbara Poole-Street, Bill Potter

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, September 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30, 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!

Mary Magdalene Society Virtual Happy Hour

Saturday, September 5, at 5:00 pm

We continue to invite LGBTQI members and friends of LCH to prepare their favorite beverage and pupu and gather for our online happy hour. 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 to the mailing list or for more information.

Godly Play Is Back!

Sunday School for kindergarten through grade 5 is back! Starting on September 5 we will resume Sunday morning Bible stories and crafts for the children of LCH.

We will have Sunday school via a Zoom meeting each Sunday before service at 9:00. This class is geared for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. A story is followed by a craft which we can make together. Each Saturday the link for the meeting will be sent to all who want to join. Contact the LCH office if you wish to be added to the invitation list. All are welcome!

Below is the schedule of Godly Play stories for September:

• September 5—The Holy Bible
• September 12—The Falling Apart
• September 19—The Story of Sarah
• September 26—The Story of Jacob

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.

Compline

Sunday, September 5 & 19, at 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. Led by members of the LCH Men’s Schola, musical selections include Gregorian chant, Taizé chant, Renaissance polyphony, and more.

Compline will be livestreamed on our streaming page and the LCH Facebook page and then archived on the LCH Facebook page.

LCH OFFICE CLOSED

Monday, September 6, in observance of Labor Day

First Mondays Season Opener: La Camera e la Chiesa

Monday September 6, 7:00 pm • Via Livestream Broadcast

Join us for “The Chamber and the Church” which refers to the sacred and secular sonatas of 17th and 18th century Europe. The Italian word sonata describes a deeply expressive, variative form that composers have used since the 16th century. Enjoy the masterful quartet of Darel Stark (violin), Aris Doike (’cello), and Alex Hayashi (oboe), with continuo by Katherine Crosier in a concert of notable sonatas and suites from baroque Italy, Germany, and England. The concert will be livestreamed on our streaming page and the LCH Facebook page and then archived on the LCH Facebook page.

Leadership Roundtable

Tuesday, September 7, 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.

Food for Thought

Saturday, September 18 at 5:30 pm • Via Zoom Meeting

Food for Thought will resume on Saturday, September 18. However, due to increased covid cases, we will go back to meeting virtually. An invite will be sent out. Anyone who is newly interested in joining the group, please contact the office at lch@LCHwelcome.org and provide an email address.

Writers’ Workshop

Tuesday, September 21, 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.

God’s Work, Our Hands Volunteer Day

Saturday, September 25

Join us September 25 to help Sustainable Coastlines Hawai’i clean up Sand Island. Though not the same day as God’s Work, Our Hands Sunday; this will be LCH’s opportunity to participate in this national day of service of the ELCA. God’s Work, Our Hands Sunday is an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America—one church freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. We will serve our neighbors here—humans, birds, turtles, plants, and fish—by cleaning and caring for Sand Island. Look for more details—time, meeting place, and what to bring/wear—in the weekly E-News throughout September. Also, Pastor Jeff has ordered God’s Work, Our Hands t-shirts. Please contact the church office at lch@LCHwelcome.org for a shirt.

Reformation Sunday Virtual Choir

All Musicians Welcome

We are inviting all singers and instrumentalists in our congregation to take part in a virtual performance of A Mighty Fortress is Our God for Reformation Sunday 2021 worship. This will be a collaborative recording project that allows our congregation to participate from the comfort of their own homes. Participants will be given a guide track to sing or play along with, and they will then record themselves on their smartphone or other device. A few appointments will be offered to record with our music director at the church (for those who are not as comfortable with technology).

Please contact Scott Fikse at scott@LCHwelcome.org with any questions or to sign up. Submissions are due on Monday, October 4.

Punahou Academy Fall Term Parking

Monday–Friday • Church Lot & Poki Lot

The Punahou Academy fall semester is in full swing. Student parking has resumed in the LCH Poki Street and church parking lots. 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 June 1, 2022. 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 June 1, 2022.

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.

LCH Women’s Book Club

The LCH Book Club will not meet during the month of September. We will resume our zoom meeting on Monday, October 18. The October book is The Yellow Chair by Martin Gayford. Please contact the church office if you have any questions.

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!

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 July

Offering Fund	Amount	Offering Fund	Amount
Offering	$9,570	Concert Fund	$86
Music/Instrument	$1,205	Capital Improvements	$55
Family Promise	$150	One Pot, One Hope	$20

Attendance and Offerings for August

Date	Worship Service	Attendance	Offering Fund	Amount
August 1	Streaming Worship	129 views	Offerings	$4,480
			Music Fund	$500
			Streaming Equipment	$500
			Family Promise	$150
			Social Ministries/IHS	$100
August 8	Streaming Worship	172 views	Wounded Warriors	$100
			Domestic Relief	$30
August 15	Streaming Worship	244 views	Offerings	$5,535
			Wounded Warriors	$5,000
			Concert Fund	$1,200
August 22	Streaming Worship	197 views	Family Promise	$2,50
			Social Ministries/IHS	$50
Attendance for August 29 not available at time of publication

HeartBeat Deadline

Tuesday, September 21, 9:00 am

Alyssa B., the family of Anita B. and Malissa T., Arnold, friends and family of Billy S., Bruce H., Colleen K., Elwin B., Greg, Ilse L., Judy M., Kai K. and his family, Karen and Richard E., Kathy M., Kathy S., Kawai S., Keahi, Kendra K., Lori W., Michael, Patricia, Pomai S., Resi, Robin B., Sidney M., Tom P., William

September Birthdays

09/03	Mary Reese
09/03	Jimmy Castro
09/05	Michael Gorman
09/09	Joseph Zuiker
09/11	Naomi Castro
09/11	Iniki Shelton Kaeo
09/11	Emily Okikawa
09/11	Kyra Ann Takamiya
09/17	Carolyn Ishikawa
09/21	Jerome Vasconcellos
09/22	Justin Juvinall
09/29	Colette J.

Calendar: September 2021

Day	Date	Event and Time
;Thursday	September 2	10:00 am, Bible Study Zoom Meeting 6:00 pm, Restorative Yoga Zoom Class
;Saturday	September 4	5:00 pm, Mary Magdalene Virtual Happy Hour
;Sunday	September 5	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 pm, Streaming Compline Service
;Monday	September 6	LCH Office closed for Labor Day
;		7:00 pm, First Mondays Concert Livestream
;Tuesday	September 7	6:30 pm, Leadership Roundtable Zoom Meeting
;Thursday	September 9	10:00 am, Bible Study Zoom Meeting 6:00 pm, Restorative Yoga Zoom Class
;Sunday	September 12	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	September 13	6:30 pm, Worship and Music Zoom Meeting
;Wednesday	September 15	noon, Finance Committee, Zoom Meeting
;Thursday	September 16	10:00 am, Bible Study Zoom Meeting noon, IHS Brown Bag Meal Prep (closed group) 6:00 pm, Restorative Yoga Zoom Class
;Saturday	September 18	5:30 pm, Food for Thought Zoom Meeting
;Sunday	September 19	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 pm, Streaming Compline Service
;Tuesday	September 21	HeartBeat Submissions Deadline
;		4:30 pm, Writers’ Workshop Zoom Meeting
;Thursday	September 23	10:00 am, Bible Study Zoom Meeting 6:00 pm, Restorative Yoga Zoom Class
;Saturday	September 25	God’s Work, Our Hands Volunteer Day
;Sunday	September 26	9:00 am, Godly Play Zoom Meeting 9:00 am, Adult Forum Zoom Meeting 10:00 am, Streaming Communion Service 11:15 am, Virtual Coffee Talk Zoom Meeting
;Tuesday	September 28	6:00 pm, Executive Council Zoom Meeting 6:30 pm, LCH Council Zoom Meeting
;Thursday	September 30	10:00 am, Bible Study Zoom Meeting 6:00 pm, Restorative Yoga Zoom Class