HeartBeat—March 2022

From Pastor Jeff

I learned recently of flower whose scientific name is vancouveria hexandra. Commonly found in British Columbia, Oregon and Washington State, this curious little plant is characterized by its seemingly inside-out flower. In fact, it is commonly known as the “white inside-out flower,” although to my eye, it looks more like and “upside-down flower.” It looks, for all the world, as if a mischievous ten-year-old has carefully plucked the flowers and pasted them upside down.

I suppose the flower caught my eye partly because the visual character the flower reminds me, at least at some level, why I look forward to Lent each year. Lent is, in many ways, the season for being turned inside out, upside down, shaken and stirred. The readings of Lent challenge and teach; they discomfit and abrade our well intentioned and well-established habits and norms in our lives and in faith. We anticipate through the Lenten season the dreadful torture and death of Jesus that we know will come on Good Friday, while holding fast to the hope we know is coming on Easter morning. All that upside-downness is exhausting and for some, just plain depressing.

But take a peek at the vancouveria hexandra for moment. There is also something truly beautiful and joyous happening there. Although seemingly upside down, the flower remains perfectly suited to its home on the end of an impossibly small stem. It seems to be hanging on by a thread (something many of us have become familiar with over the past couple of years). But it hangs there so beautifully and seemingly quite content to do so. The gentle tenacity of the flower imagines for me God’s grip on us as we wrestle with our demons, our inadequacies, our dashed dreams and disappointments. Even in our brokenness, the slender but unbreakable love of God hangs onto us like the stem of the inside out flower. Against all odds, and seeming against all nature, we remain connected to source of true live, living water, and ultimate joy. Some days it may seem like God’s grip on us is barely perceptible, and other days, that tiny little stem feels like the only thing that keeps us from falling. And some days, when we are feeling really good, we might even feel like we don’t need the stem at all; and yet it remains, she remains, connected to us and calling us back to join the rest of the vine she calls the kingdom.

As Lent unfolds this year, I pray you will join us as we explore the connections God makes between nature, the environment, and our faith. Images of God’s love for us are all around us, if only we have eyes to see and ears to hear. In the meantime, ponder the inside out flower, a symbol of God’s Lenten Love.

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.

Growing in Awareness of My Gifts

We continue in the month of March to consider the gifts and talents with which God has blessed us. Our more specific focus for this month is on how aware we are of the unique gifts each of us has. Some of you may be very aware while others may be less aware or dubious about whether you have any gifts at all. What does it mean to be aware of one’s gifts? Based on their research, the Barna Group indentifies individuals who are aware as those who “say they know or understand their own gifting, abilities, or skills ‘extremely’ or ‘very’ well.” The Stewardship Team hopes to help people become more aware of their gifts and the amazing gifts that are among us.

I have facilitated two sessions for the Adult Forum and anticipate at least two more sessions taking us to the end of February. People are welcome to jump in any time. We also encourage you to complete the Gift Inventory to help you become more aware of your primary gifts as well gifts you hope to develop. (Use the link below to access the Inventory)

First, we give thanks for each and every one of you! Why? Because each of you, by your presence alone, is a gift to our community. And, each of you brings something unique and special to the LCH ‘ohana as well as to the various places your lives take you throughout the week. Every person, as a child of God, is an asset to our community.

Second, we challenge you to explore your gifts by completing the gift inventory mentioned in February’s Stewardship Corner and used in our exploration of spiritual gifts during February in Adult Form. This link will take you to the EveryGift Inventory on the Lutheran Hour Ministries website.

To pique your interest further, here’s a personal story from Bill Potter, a member of our Stewardship Team, who discovered how his simple gifts could help grow our congregation:

Many of you know that I have been LCH’s financial secretary (the person who records contributions and pledges and issues giving statements) for many years. When I first came to LCH in 1995, I knew I was good in math and could balance my checkbook, but I had no idea that those skills could be valuable to the church. I was singing in the choir when fellow chorister David Reese, who was the financial secretary at the time, asked if I could help him with posting the offerings. I had not yet developed my ability to say no, so I agreed and helped him out for a year or so. Then David told me he would be leaving LCH and asked if I could take over as financial secretary. By this time, I knew I was competent at the work and had begun to understand the importance of accurate posting of offerings and prompt distribution of giving statements to the health of our congregation, so I agreed to take on the job.

From my current perspective of more than 20 years as financial secretary, I’m grateful to David Reese for helping me become aware of gifts I had and for his generosity as a mentor as I developed those skills and my understanding of how they contribute to our congregation.

I imagine each of you has gifts in one of the 12 categories the Barna Group has identified: technical, intercultural, entrepreneurial, management, financial, critical thinking, artistic, civic, interpersonal, communication, leadership, and teamwork. Once you have identified a couple of primary gifts as well as gifts you may want to further develop, we will explore how to do just that. Perhaps there are others in our ‘ohana who can help you to grow some of those gifts. This is the next step, the step of becoming more intentional about growing one’s gifts. That will be the focus for April, and in May we will focus on generously sharing our gifts.

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

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.

Leadership Roundtable

Tuesday, March 1, 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!

Ash Wednesday Worship

Wednesday, March 2, 7:30 pm

The season of Lent begins with a very special worship on Ash Wednesday. This beautiful evening service begins the Lenten season of reflection, prayer, and preparation as we hear the words from Genesis 3:19, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Ashes, a sign of mourning and repentance, are placed on our foreheads as a reminder of our mortality, but the ashes are in the shape of a cross, a sign of promise, and life, and hope. Ash Wednesday—and the whole season of Lent—calls us to reflect and remember the precious gift of life and love that God has given us in creation and community and to re-center our thoughts and spirit on what truly matters. As we gather around the communion table in worship on Ash Wednesday, we see our neighbor with the same smudged cross on her head, recall that our mortality is joined to hers forever in Christ, and remember that together we share the joy of life with all of God’s world.

For those not attending in person, the Ash Wednesday Liturgy will be livestreamed on our streaming page and the LCH Facebook page.

Confirmation Preparation Classes

March 9 (6:30 pm) and 20 (4:00 pm) • Via Zoom Meeting

Confirmation is voluntary for youth, grades 6 and up, who would like to confirm their faith. At baptism we promise to “place in (your child’s) hands the Holy Scripture and provide for their education in the Christian Faith.” In confirmation class we study scripture, the Reformation, and Christian history, but we are more interested in helping young people develop as persons of faith. For more information, please contact Pastor Jeff at pr.jeff@LCHwelcome.org.

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 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31, 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 • Hybrid Vitual/In-person Meeting

Since LCH services are now hybrid, we are presenting a hybrid on-line/in-person version of Godly Play. The in-person part will take place in Isenberg Hall at 9:00 and will follow the same guidelines as LCH in-person worship. Each Saturday the link for the on-line meeting will be sent to all who want to join from their home. Contact the LCH office if you wish to be added to the invitation list.

If LCH services return to livestreaming only, we will still have Sunday school via a Zoom meeting before service at 9:00.

This class is geared for children in kindergarten through 5th grade. All are welcome!

Below is the schedule of Godly Play stories for March:

• 3/6—The Mystery of Easter
• 3/13—The Faces of Easter I and II
• 3/20—The Faces of Easter III and IV
• 3/27—The Faces of Easter V and VI

Adult Forum

Sundays at 9:00 am • Via Zoom Meeting or In-person in the Boardroom

During the Sundays of March, Wayne Gau will lead a four-week series on “The Kingdom of God.” This will be a wide-ranging Biblically-based study of the meaning of that phrase. Among other things, the study will compare and contrast “The Kingdom of God” as presented in the Hebrew Scriptures (both theocratic and Davidic) and as presented in the New Testament (both messianic and apocalyptic).

All are welcome to join the Adult Forum Zoom meetings, live on 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 the list for the Adult Forum, please contact Stan Baptista at stan.baptista@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. Discussion is conducted via the Zoom Meeting platform, and runs 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 6 and 20, 7:30 pm • Via Livestream Broadcast and In-person

We warmly invite all people in all places of faith and life to Compline. Offered on the first and third Sunday of each month, this beautiful candle-lit service is a meditative experience. Join us for a 30-minute meditative time of prayer and reflection by candlelight. A cappella singing and chanting are led by the LCH Men’s Schola with John Bickel presiding.

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

First Mondays: 545 Express Reunited

Monday, March 7,·at 7:0o pm • Via Livestream Broadcast and In-person

The First Mondays Concert Series continues with guest artists 545 Express. Glenn Ellington (baritone), Eric Faris (tenor), Scott Fikse (bass), and Ian Kelly (tenor), known as the “a cappella sensation of Celebrity Cruises” will perform a much-anticipated reunion concert in celebration of their 10-year anniversary. Audiences will be delighted by their diverse repertoire of show tunes, barbershop, contemporary a cappella, and jazz.

Reserve your seat at www.eventbrite.com or by emailing the church office at lch@lchwelcome.org. Suggested donation $20.

Those not attending in-person can tune in on our Worship Services page or the LCH Facebook page.

Lenten Fellowship and Evening Prayer

Beginning Wednesdays, March 9 through April 13, 7:00 pm • Via Livestream Broadcast and In-person

Please join your LCH ‘ohana as we journey through the Lenten season each Wednesday evening beginning March 9.

Our theme this year is “Embraced by the Holy.” We will explore and expand our faith-life and spirituality through the beauty of God’s created world. How is God’s proclamation being communicated by the very environment around us? What do we see, hear, and feel of God in the misty wood or the urban garden?

Due to covid-19 limitations, we will not be able to have our usual Lenten Soup Supper this year. However, you are invited to join us for light pūpū and a cup of soup at 6:20 pm before the service. Evening prayer will begin at 7:00 pm with both in-person and livestream broadcast.

For those not attending in person, the Lenten Evening Prayer will be livestreamed on our streaming page and the LCH Facebook page and then archived on the LCH Facebook page.

Mary Magdalene Society Potluck and Game Night

March 12, at 6:00 pm • Hörmann Courtyard

With reduced numbers of covid-19 cases in Honolulu, Mary Magdalene Society returns to in-person potluck and game night in the LCH courtyard. We invite LGBTQI members and friends of LCH to prepare their favorite potluck dish (remember that St. Patrick’s Day follows soon after our potluck), bring a game to play, and join in the festivities. Participants must RSVP in advance, be fully-vaccinated, wear quality masks at all times except where individuals are actively eating and drinking, and maintain physical distancing.

An email will be sent around March 5 to those who are already on the Mary Magdalene mailing list, detailing the RSVP procedure. If you don’t receive your invitation, have questions, or want to be added to the mailing list, please contact Bill Potter, group facilitator, at bill.potter808@gmail.com.

Writers’ Workshop

Tuesday, March 15, 4:30 pm • Via Zoom Meeting

Writers’ Workshop will meet via Zoom 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.

Flowers in the Garden

Wednesday, March 16, at 1:00 pm • LCH Garden

A small garden day is scheduled for March 16th at 1:00 pm. We will seed some flats of various flowers, which will eventually be used to decorate the sanctuary. Contact pr.bree@LCHwelcome.org if interested.

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, March 19, at 5:00 pm • Hybrid In-person and Zoom Meeting

Food for Thought will have a hybrid gathering beginning at 5:00 pm on Saturday, March 19. Those who wish to come in person should be vaccinated. We will gather at the home of David Hörmann, who will provide the main dish and others will bring dishes to complete potluck. If you would like to participate, please contact Peter Flachsbart at pflaschbart@gmail.com to receive an invitation to join the next Zoom Food for Thought meeting.

LCH Women’s Book Club

Monday, March 21, at 10:00 am • Via Zoom Meeting

When LCH Women’s Book Club meets via Zoom on Monday, March 21, we will be discussing the book Shakespeare in a Divided America by James Shapiro. Linda Miller will be leading us. If you’ve thought about joining us why not come to our Zoom meeting? We have fun and everyone is welcome. Contact Juditha Murashige at jcmurashige@earthlink.net to receive an invitation to join the next Zoom online Book Club meeting. All are welcome, please join us.

LCH OFFICE CLOSED

Prince Kūhiō Day • Friday, March 25

One Pot, One Hope Ministry Continues

Saturday, March 26, at 9:00 am • Maluhia Lutheran Church, Wai‘anae

One Pot, One Hope is a volunteer-led, food and outreach ministry hosted by Maluhia Lutheran Church in Waiʻanae. A faithful crew of volunteers from LCH has supported this ministry over the years. After a change in One Pot, One Hope leadership and some time off because of the pandemic, the Saturday ministry continues this March 26 at 9:00 am! Saturday dates are also scheduled for April 30, May 28, June 25, and July 30. Contact pr.bree@LCHwelcome.org if interested, and she will connect you with LCH’s faithful crew of volunteers/leaders who can give you more details about this ministry.

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.

Special Blessings to Pastor Bree Lloyd on her Ordination and Installation at LCH!

Photos are shared by Linda Muller and Brenda Barrios.

HeartBeat Deadline

Tuesday, March 15, 9:00 am

Anita B. and Malissa T., Bill, friends and family of Billy S., Bruce H., Carole A., Chuck H. and Nan W., Chuck P., Colleen K., Dan, Dean A., Ilse L., Judy M., Karen and Richard E., Kathy M., Kawai S., Keahi, Kendra K., Lori W., Luka, Michael, Miles S., Patricia, Pomai S., Resi, Samantha C., Steve, Tom P., Tom R., and 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