In this issue:
- A Message from Pastor Jeff
- LCH Office Hours
- Stewardship Corner
- Committee/Interest Group Chairs
- 2022 ELCA Youth Gathering: REBOUND
- LCH Council Appoints Two Council Members
- Angel Network In-Gathering
- Easter Lilies
- Attention Online Worshippers
- Handbell Mass for Easter Sunday
- Godly Play
- Adult Forum
- Virtual Coffee Talk with Pastor Jeff
- Compline
- First Mondays: BYU-Hawaii Hoʻolōkahi Chamber Choir
- Leadership Roundtable
- Confirmation Preparation Classes
- Book of Faith Bible Study
- Restorative Yoga
- Triduum and Easter at LCH
- Children’s Easter Egg Hunt
- LCH Women’s Book Club
- Writers’ Workshop
- IHS Brown Bag Meal Prep
- Mary Magdalene Society Potluck and Game Night
- Bach and Prayer
- Food for Thought
- Seeking Volunteers & Donations for ONE POT, ONE HOPE
- 17th Annual Faith and Arts Sunday
- A Lasting Gift
- Regular Offerings
- An Easy Way to Donate
- Edward Shipwright Memorial Piano Fund
- HeartBeat Deadline
- Electronic Funds Transfers for February
- Attendance and Offerings for March
- Prayer Requests
- April Birthdays
- Calendar: April 2022
From Pastor Jeff
A Gathering Community
Over the course of Lent, our midweek worship has focused on the theme “Embraced by the Holy: Creation, Wisdom, and Wonder.” Through worship and poetry, we have been inviting an imaginative spirituality that recognizes the role of God’s beautiful creation and the preservation and stewardship of that creation. Our last Wednesday will focus on humanity and encourage us to look deeply at our role in preserving creation for future generations. As I have prayed this past week, my thoughts keep wandering back to ministry, worship, and fellowship at LCH.
Over the course of the pandemic, we were fortunate to have the resources and expertise to pivot rather quickly to online worship. Given restrictions by local and federal government, we were presented with few practical options for worship at that time. Many members and community folks adjusted quickly to the new worship form and found there at least some spiritual fulfillment. Although most would agree online worship and fellowship was not ideal, it was wonderful that so many of you joined us each week! Not surprisingly, former members who moved away and people from around the globe also joined us for online worship each week. On the other hand, other members simply stopped worshipping altogether. For some, online worship just didn’t interest them; others tried it for a Sunday or two and then dropped off. Still others found the technical challenges to be more than they could cope with. Through it all, staff and volunteers worked to improve both content and technical skills to bring the best worship experience possible. (We all owe our thanks to a very small core group of tech volunteers, choir members, and others who helped make this all happen.)
As restrictions have eased, LCH has opened once again for in-person worship. I have been a little surprised at how relatively few folks have availed themselves of this opportunity to worship together in person. Of course, we all understand and support those who do not yet feel comfortable with coming together. The pandemic is far from over, and every precaution should be taken! But the puzzling bit is that the online attendance has decreased by approximately the number of folks attending in person. We have not yet found a way to reach those of you who have either stopped attending or have found other ways to have your spiritual needs met. Like many communities, ours finds itself somewhat fractured by the way COVID-19 has reshaped us. We are working to better understand your spiritual and worship needs and need your help if we are to live into the future together in God’s mission.
As Easter dawns this month, LCH remains a vibrant, hopeful, and deeply spiritual community; but we are diminished by the absence of some of our spiritual siblings in worship, fellowship, and ministry. If you are “taking a break from church,” please know that we are not taking a break from you. You are in our thoughts and prayers. If you dislike online worship, please join us each week for worship in our beautiful Nave! If you are not ready to join in person, we are delighted to see you online. Together we join in a variety of ways to be God’s mission in the world. I pray we can join with you in your ministry, support you in worship and fellowship, and draw together to be the church God intends us to be.
May God bless you all,
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.
Committee/Interest Group Chairs
| Committee/Group | Leader |
|---|---|
| Archive: | Jim Cartwright |
| Concert: | Scott Fikse |
| Communications: | Carol Langner |
| Community Life: | Larry Anderson |
| Council: | Dan Dennison |
| Fellowship: | Mary-Jo Estes |
| Finance: | Steve Miller |
| Financial Review: | Dori Palcovich |
| Food for Thought: | Marlise Tellander |
| Lay Ministers: | Carolyn Koehler |
| Learning Ministry: | Fred Benco |
| Mary Magdalene Society: | Bill Potter Roy Helms |
| Process Theology: | Carol Langner |
| Property: | Richard Mundell Pastor Jeff Lilley |
| Scholarship: | Fred Benco |
| Social Ministry: | Jean Lilley and Miles Sato |
| Stewardship: | Phyllis Hörmann Willow Chang |
| Sunday School: | Linda Miller |
| Website: | Bill Potter |
| Worship & Music: | Roy Helms Randy Castello |
| Writers’ Workshop: | Peter Flachsbart |
| Youth: | Pastor Jeff Lilley |
Being Intentional with My Gifts
The Barna Group, in cooperation with Lutheran Hour Ministries, has been working to expand our understanding of gifts—including many that extend beyond the spiritual gifts lifted up in scripture. The purpose of this effort is to “imagine possibilities that didn’t exist before—possibilities that deepen the health and well-being of our neighbors and the places where we live, work, and play.” Our service begins as we live out our lives of faith in our everyday activities using the unique gifts/strengths/talents God has given each of us for the common good or the benefit of our neighbors in the community. These gifts can be grouped into 12 categories: technical, intercultural, entrepreneurial, management, financial, critical thinking, artistic, civic, interpersonal, communication, leadership, and teamwork.
Building on our March discussion on awareness of our gifts, in April we consider how, among the various gifts and talents with which God has blessed us, we may be more passionate about one or more of them. Our more specific focus is on how each of us has been, or wants to be, intentional about growing/developing gifts which we have perhaps discovered on our own or by completing a gift inventory. This personal story from Willow Chang about one of her passions/gifts illustrates the growth from awareness to intentionality:
For as long as I could remember, I’ve always loved being in the garden, As a child, I’d spend countless hours in our backyard after Chinese school, examining, dissecting and smelling flowers, shrubs, and plants.
I learned the names of each one, and bit by bit, learned which ones love the shade or which ones worship the sun. And perhaps most importantly, I knew which trees were poisonous and whose sap to avoid getting on my fingers or in my eyes.
As an adult, I’m happy that this curiosity and passion continues to this day. I am unabashedly a plant lady and a garden girl. I can’t think of a better place to be than a botanical garden, and I’ve known to comb the internet for additional information on plants that I have been given or acquired.
A few years back, I decided to try my hand at growing something to actually eat. For some, this would be considered a practical application of a passion because it results in something deemed useful. (I never really thought of it this way, but I’m aware that mindset exists.)
I remember growing a small tomato plant. I was amazed how quickly it grew, even though I did it blindly, without any guidance from a mentor or researching on YouTube.
When a small but mighty red tomato finally appeared, I eagerly watched it grow and imagined what it would be like to actually feast on the fruits of my labor.
But I had no idea that the birds were also watching my tomato with anticipation. And the day after I had determined that the tomato was ready to be eaten, the neighborhood birds beat me to the punch!
When I shared the story with some garden savvy friends, after their laughter of recognition at this rookie mistake, they shared with me that I should consider bagging the fruit while it grows to ensure the birds wouldn’t get to it first. I honestly had no idea.
To me, the passion of loving plants is a blessing. But developing my interests required the presence of an exchange as a catalyst. When we are asked to share our gifts, it’s too easy to think these are defined by titles, degrees, social status, or financial compensation. But truthfully, it’s the willingness to share—to invest in another’s process, to walk with them on their journey, to aid in pointing out pitfalls as well as simply being present—that leads to the development of our most rewarding gifts.
I hope upon reflection, you’ll realize your many gifts—from the ones that are recognized to even those private pursuits that are lifelong hobbies—that reflect a world of expertise that thrives upon sharing and benefits both parties. Active listening, patience, commitment of one’s time and resources, the option of explaining something in different ways and having an open mind—these are just some of the gifts we all benefit from, whether we are gardeners, parishioners, or neighbors.
We read in 1 Corinthians 12:4–7: “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”
May the unique gifts you have from God be well watered and nourished that they might grow, blossom, and ultimately be shared so that they help others flourish, thereby making our world a better place! How will you intentionally grow/develop your gifts?
The month of May will focus on being generous with our unique gifts. Watch for more!
Phyllis Hörmann and Willow Chang for the Stewardship Team
Peggy Anderson, Pam Buckley, Willow Chang, Phyllis Hörmann, Barbara Poole-Street, Bill Potter
P.S. If you have not yet been able to take the EveryGift Inventory developed by the Barna Group and Lutheran Hour Ministries, this link will take you to the inventory on the Lutheran Hour Ministries website.
2022 ELCA Youth Gathering: REBOUND
Pastors Jeff and Bree will accompany five ELCA youth to REBOUND, a youth event in California in July of this year. After the 2022 National Youth Gathering was cancelled for a second time due to covid-19, Lutheran Retreats Camps and Conferences, a ministry of the ELCA, stepped in to offer an alternative event for young people to gather. Although much smaller in scale, this event will be an opportunity for our youth to share a meaningful experience in an outdoor setting with youth from California and around the country. Although the event will not begin until July, LCH will work for the next couple of months preparing for the trip. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers, and look for more information in upcoming HeartBeat newsletters.
LCH Council Appoints Two Council Members
Following the resignation of Bruce Holmberg from the Lutheran Church of Honolulu Council, Mr. Dylan DePretto was appointed to serve the remaining two years of Mr. Holmberg’s term. Dylan is an active member at LCH and has served as an usher, acolyte, and worship assistant. We are delighted to welcome him to the council.
The council also appointed Spencer Mundell as youth representative to the council. Spencer, child of Rich and Nikki Mundell, is currently completing her confirmation instruction and will be attending the REBOUND youth event this July. Welcome Spencer!!
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.
Easter Lilies
Help brighten the Nave for Easter by donating money for an Easter lily plant to decorate the altar. Plants may be donated in memory or in honor of a loved one. Donations, in the amount of $9.50 per plant, may be submitted via check payable to “LCH.” Please indicate “LILIES” on the memo line. Please send your dedications, in memory or in honor of loved ones, by email to the parish administrator. Your dedications will be included in the Easter Sunday Order of Worship bulletin.
Handbell Mass for Easter Sunday
Rehearsals are Thursdays, March 31 and April 7, and Monday, April 11, at 6:00 pm
Our Easter Sunday 2022 celebration will include composer Richard Proulx’s handbell Carillon Mass, written for cantor, choir, congregation, and handbell choir. Musicians in the congregation with some sight-reading ability are invited to be a part of the handbell ensemble. Rehearsals will take place on Thursday evenings March 31, April 7, and Monday April 11 from 6:00 to 6:45 pm. Ringers will be allowed to miss one rehearsal in certain circumstances but are encouraged to attend all three sessions. Please contact Scott Fikse with your interest as soon as possible.
Attention Online Worshippers
Due to copyright law, LCH will no longer provide Sunday bulletins on our website for download. If you are an online viewer of our services and events and would like to receive a copy of the worship bulletin or program each week, you can subscribe for this service by emailing a request to the church office at lch@lchwelcome.org. Once subscribed, you will receive a copy of the bulletin each week via email.
Godly Play Sunday School at LCH
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.
When LCH services are live streaming 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 April:
- 4/3 Seder Meal
- 4/10 The Faces of Easter VII
- 4/17 Easter egg hunt after service
- 4/24 Knowing Jesus in a New Way
Adult Forum
Sundays at 9:00 am • Via Zoom Meeting or In-person in the Boardroom
Marsha Schweitzer will be leading Adult Forum for April. She writes, “In our first session, we will get an overview of the hero’s journey—the path to the narrow gate—as exemplified in the life and death of Christ, which consists of the elements of suffering, surrender, solitude, service, and sacrifice. In future sessions we will look at these elements in greater detail, including Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s ‘Dishonorable Suffering,’ St. Francis’ ‘Perfect Joy,’ the Buddha’s ‘Unsupported Thought’ (akin to poverty, chastity, and obedience), and John Welwood’s distinction between mindful surrender and mindless submission.
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, April 3 and 17, 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 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 livestream on our streaming page and the LCH Facebook page and then archived on the LCH Facebook page.
First Mondays Concert: BYU-Hawaii Hoʻolōkahi Chamber Choir
Monday, April 4 @ 7:00 pm • Via Livestream Broadcast and In-person
Join the BYU-Hawai‘i Hoʻolōkahi Chamber Choir (HCC) for “A Puni ka Honua,” an evening of contemporary choral music featuring composers from around the world. Experience everything from Korean special music to Filipino folksong to a new and timely setting of Ukraine’s National Anthem by Kurt Bestor. Featuring members from over a dozen countries, the Hoʻolōkahi Chamber Choir exists to fulfill the intercultural peacebuilding mission of BYU-Hawai‘i through song. The choir is known for its multimedia, collaborative concerts, which often include elements of dance, visual art, and the spoken word. HCC is also committed to premiering new works, effecting social change via musical means, collaborating with performing artists of all kinds on O‘ahu, and bringing the choir’s motto (“harmony in diversity”) to the wider world through international tours and recording projects. We hope you will join us! Suggested donation $20.
Leadership Roundtable
Tuesday, April 5, 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!
Confirmation Preparation Classes
April 6 at6:00 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.
Confirmation class participants will also meet after worship on April 10 to prepare Easter eggs for the Easter Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday and again on April 17 to hide the eggs.
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!
Triduum and Easter at LCH
The Triduum is our journey with Christ through the Great Three Days leading up to Easter Sunday. Worship will be in-person and livestreamed on our streaming page and the LCH Facebook page and then archived on the LCH Facebook page. We plan a rich liturgy of music and heartfelt special worship.
April 14 • 7:30 pm—Maundy Thursday
We remember the Last Supper and the New Commandment to “love one another.” Gregorian chant and the choral music of Gjeilo, Victoria, and di Lasso accompany the service.
April 15 • 7:30 pm—Good Friday
We remember the bitter crucifixion. The LCH Choir presents Heinrich Schütz’s St. John Passion, as well as choral works by Peter Hallock and Francis Poulenc.
April 16 • 7:30 pm—Easter Vigil
Following the service of readings and the kindling of the new fire, we move from darkness covering the land into the light of resurrection. Joined by the triumphant sounds of brass, the choir will sing the works of Victoria, Palestrina, and Stanford.
April 17 • 10:00 am—Easter Sunday
Christ is risen! Join us for our 10:00 am festival choral service with Richard Proulx’s handbell Carillon Mass.
April 17 • 7:30 pm—Easter Compline
Candlelight illuminates the sanctuary for this short service of meditation, chant, and a cappella choral music.
Children’s Easter Egg Hunt
Sunday, April 17, at 9:00 am
We are happy to announce there will be an Easter egg hunt for the children before the 10:00 am service on Easter Sunday, April 17. All children (5th grade and younger) who wish to hunt for eggs will gather for a short puppet show while the eggs are being hidden. Please bring your own basket if you can. Some basket will be available if you forget. We hope to see you there!
LCH Women’s Book Club
Monday, April 18, 10:00 am • In-person at the Murashige Home
On Monday, April 18, the Book Club will meet in person at the Murashige’s at 10:00 am. We will be sharing various readings on the period of Reconstruction in our country. Since the USA will celebrate the 200th birthday of Ulysses S. Grant by promoting him to General of the Armies in April (an honor given to only two other national hero’s), we will be celebrating both this happy point in history and the end of the Book Club’s covid restrictions. Please come and join in the fun! All are welcome.
Writers’ Workshop
Tuesday, April 19, 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.
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.
Mary Magdalene Society Potluck and Game Night
Saturday, April 23, at 6:00 pm • Hörmann Courtyard
With the continuation of low numbers of covid-19 cases in Honolulu, Mary Magdalene Society again plans to meet in-person for our potluck and game night in the LCH courtyard. We invite LGBTQI members and friends of LCH to prepare their favorite potluck dish, bring a game to play, and join in the festivities. Unless LCH modifies covid restrictions, 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 April 17 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.
Bach and Prayer
Wednesday, April 27, at 7:00 pm • Via Livestream Broadcast and In-person
All are welcome to participate in our monthly Bach and Prayer. Join us on the fourth Wednesday of each month for this quiet prayer service. Bach and Prayer offers a time for silent prayer and meditation interspersed with contemplative organ works by J. S. Bach and his family.
For those not attending in-person, Bach and Prayer will livestream on our Worship Services page and the LCH Facebook page.
Food for Thought
Saturday, April 30, 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, April 30. 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. If you wish to attend in person contact Phyllis Hörmann at phllshrmnn7@gmail.com.
Seeking Volunteers & Donations for ONE POT, ONE HOPE
Saturday, April 30, at 9:00 am • Maluhia Lutheran Church in Wai‘anae
The One Pot, One Hope ministry, a Hukilau project hosted monthly by Maluhia Lutheran Church in Wai‘anae, restarted on March 26. Please consider participating by joining the volunteers, at the next meet-up on Saturday, April 30, at 9:00 am. You can also contribute by donating 5-lbs. cans of chili, cartons of granola bars, or large jars of peanut butter or jelly, or you can support this outreach with funds either by check or via the LCH Donate page. (Be sure to designate donation for One Pot, One Hope.) Food items may be dropped off during coffee hour on Sundays or left at the office during open hours. Contact pr.bree@LCHwelcome.org with any questions. Mahalo for assisting with this mission to provide meals to our neighbors.
17th Annual Faith and Arts Sunday
Sunday, June 12, at LCH
On June 12, LCH will celebrate its 17th Faith and Arts Sunday by displaying the creative works of our congregation. Let us show your art, photography, written work, or craft item after the service that day, (omit comma) or post your poem or short essay on the bulletin board in the courtyard. What we need from you:
- As soon as possible: Express your interest in displaying your creative work by contacting our coordinators, whose email addresses appear below.
- By June 7: Send them a brief description of your work so they can make labels. If you wish to type a longer explanation to be displayed with your work, please do so and bring it along when you deliver your items to LCH.
- By 5:00 pm on June 10: Deliver your item(s) to LCH where they will be held in a safe place until they are displayed on Sunday June 12. Otherwise give your items directly to our coordinators at any time between now and June 10.
Please contact Peter Flachsbart (pflachsbart@gmail.com) or Willow Chang (willowchang@hotmail.com), event coordinators, to say “Yes” to this marvelous opportunity or to ask questions.
A Lasting Gift
Did you know that you may bless Lutheran Church of Honolulu in your estate planning? Over the course of LCH’s history, several members and friends have remembered the congregation in their wills and left legacy gifts from their estates. These gifts have made possible paying off the mortgage to Luther Place, make sizeable donations to ministries like Family Promise, as well as assisting in purchasing pew chairs.
While our stewardship giving remains amazingly strong, (Thank you!!) legacy gifts through willed assets, charitable trusts, and other forms of giving have the potential to help the congregation grow and better serve the community during increasingly difficult financial times.
Churches in high cost of living area have been fortunate to receive homes as legacy gifts which are used as parsonages which enable them to better afford full-time clergy. Others are able to fund new outreach to those in need, including food and shelter programs. Still others are able to use legacy gifts to improve outreach to young families and children through innovative programming. Your legacy gift to LCH and other ministries can be part of your total estate planning and offer a lasting support to the ministry.
What you probably don’t know is that the ELCA offers free assistance for planning your legacy gift through its Regional Gift Planners. An ELCA planner will be happy to meet with you by phone or online and answer any questions you might have. There is no cost or obligation to you. The regional planner for Hawai‘i is Lisa Higginbotham. She can be reached by email at lisa.higginbotham@elca.org or by phone at 773-380-2477. The website for ELCA Foundation, the umbrella arm of planned giving is www.elca.org/Give/ELCA-Foundation.
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.
HeartBeat Deadline
Tuesday, April 19, 9:00 am
Angela N., Anita B. and Malissa T., friends and family of Billy S., Bruce H., Carole A., Chuck H. and Nan W., Colleen K., Dan, Diane B., Ilse L., Jenny P., Judy M., Karen and Kerstin, Karen and Richard E., Kathy M., Keahi, Kendra K., Lori W., Luka, Michael, Miles S., Patricia, Resi, Samantha C., Steve, Tom P., Tom R., and William.
