In this issue:
- A Message from Pastor Jeff
- LCH Office Hours
- Stewardship Corner
- Committee/Interest Group Chairs
- Committee Chair Reports
- Angel Network In-Gathering
- Leadership Roundtable
- Book of Faith Bible Study
- Restorative Yoga
- All Saints’ Sunday
- Godly Play Sunday School
- Adult Forum
- Virtual Coffee Talk with Pastor Jeff
- Compline
- First Mondays: Reflections, Songs, and Stories: A Day in the Life of George Kahumoku, Jr.
- LCH Office Closed for Veterans’ Day
- Food for Thought
- First Half of Annual Meeting
- Writers’ Workshop
- IHS Brown Bag Meal Prep
- Mary Magdalene Society Potluck and Game Night
- LCH Women’s Book Club
- LCH Office Closed November 24 and 25 in observance of Thanksgiving Day
- Seeking Volunteers and Donations for ONE POT, ONE HOPE
- 48th Annual Advent Procession
- Regular Offerings
- Save on Your Taxes!
- An Easy Way to Donate
- Edward Shipwright Memorial Piano Fund
- HeartBeat Deadline
- Electronic Funds Transfers for September
- Attendance and Offerings for October
- Prayer Requests
- November Birthdays
- Calendar: November 2022
From Pastor Jeff
“Pay attention to the places where joy and sorrow intersect. Get curious about how our joy uniquely lands between gladness and sorrow and what God might want you to do and be in the middle space.”—Debie Thomas
The 2022 Pacifica Synod theological conference focused on the theological, psychological, and spiritual intersections of grief. Author Debie Thomas led us through a journey that helped us encounter the COVID-times church through the lens of grief, loss, sorrow, and hurt but also hope, joy, and transformation. Many congregations and the individuals in them find themselves at a crossroads following the pandemic. On the one hand, many rejoice at finally being able to worship together, eat together, sing together, and play together. But that joy is tempered as we look around the worship space and see that not everyone is ready to do those things in person and that some may never be ready. On the other, many are not yet ready to venture back into any semblance of normalcy—the virus, the fear, and the anxiety are justifiably real.
Age-old habits like sharing the peace with exuberant hugs and hearty laughter have necessarily shifted. We are more aware of each other’s space and are learning to ask permission to enter that space. Our communion practices are adjusting to accommodate the ever-shifting pressures of preserving the integrity of the sacrament while maintaining safe health protocols. For some, these changes are a blow to normative spiritual life that has sustained them for a lifetime. Many in our number are experiencing genuine grief, and, because we are Lutherans, we feel bad about feeling bad.
Others are delighted to see some shift, some change in the seemingly-glacial church. And they are right in their delight. For the first time in many years, congregations feel free to wonder aloud asking “So why did we ever do things that way?” Others see the edges of the pandemic as an opportunity to listen again to what God might be calling us to in a time when literally every social and religious endeavor has been rocked. For them, the opportunity to live into something new and exciting brings joy, and hope. But some feel bad about it. Because they are Lutheran, they feel good, but they also feel bad about feeling good when so many are hurting to the core.
In the very familiar story of Jesus walking on water in Matthew 14, there is an intersection of grief and joy. Jesus descends from the hill and walks on the water toward them in the half-light following a violent windstorm. The disciples are afraid for their lives, terrified at the sight of a ghost walking on water, wondering who is calling out to them “It is I; do not be afraid.” Peter is terrified of the storm, shocked by the sight of his master, excited for those first couple of steps on water not meant to support his feet, and then literally plunged into the depth of despair by his own failure, and just as quickly pulled to glorious breath by Jesus. All of this in the space of a few moments. I imagine them sitting in the boat panting for breath; trying to get their bearings; and feeling fear, hope, joy, and wonder swirling in their guts all at the same time.
Maybe that is how we are feeling these days—a bit of everything all at once. It can be disconcerting to say the least, but we hang on to those words of Jesus in Matthew, “It is I,” and though we may not have a clear picture of where we are going or what we are doing, we certainly know that we will not be alone—Christ will be with us. So now we find our way in the intersection where grief and joy live comfortably, but inevitably, together. We need not feel bad about our joy or our grief—both are a gifts that will help lead us to a deeper spiritual life, and where the two meet, the Gospel will greet us. As Advent begins, may we be greeted by the one who calls to us in times of trouble, “It is I.”
Blessings.
Pr. 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
Given the persistence of covid in our community, the LCH office and church campus are generally closed to in-person meetings and gatherings as we continue to practice mutual care. 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 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 |
Grateful Stewards of God’s Love
The year is speeding by as we near the end of our second stewardship year with a focus on God’s love coming down, working in us, and reaching out to serve our neighbors both far and near. So many have rallied yet again, adapting to challenges and constant change. We feel such gratitude for the many ways all of you have shared your time and diverse talents throughout the year, making sure worship happens, offering educational/learning opportunities, preparing meals for IHS and One Pot One Hope, participating in special events, whether musical, environmentally focused, or potluck gatherings, as well as staying connected through various special interest groups. Thank you all!
The Stewardship team distributed commitment packets after worship on Reformation Sunday. Those we missed or who weren’t able to be there should receive a packet in the mail next week. If you do not receive one in the next week, please contact the office by email: at lch@LCHwelcome.org or by phone at 808-941-2566, and a packet will be sent to you.
We invite you to think about ways you might express your gratitude for God’s blessing throughout this year. How? Perhaps by continuing some of the ministries in which you are already involved. Or, perhaps by stretching yourself a little further by sharing your time and talents in a new way. Striving together and using our diverse gifts helps to broaden the scope of our ministries—our community outreach as well as in-reach. There is a place on the commitment card to include your commitment along these lines. And, there is also a place where you can designate what you would like to give of your treasure as you are able, in thanksgiving to God.
Dedication of our commitments will happen Sunday, November 20. Please remember to return them on or preferably before that date.
With thankful hearts,
Your Stewardship Team
Pam Buckley, Willow Chang, Walter Cummings, Phyllis Hörmann, Barbara Poole-Street, Cynthia Scheinert
Committee Chair Reports
It’s time to begin compiling the Annual Report! Please submit your committee’s yearly report to the LCH office by Monday, December 20. Direct questions to the office at 808-941-2566 or email LCH@LCHwelcome.org.
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, November 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!
Book of Faith Bible Study
Thursdays, 10:00–11:45 am • Boardroom/Zoom Meeting
The Book of Faith Bible Study meets on Thursday mornings in-person or via the Zoom online meeting. 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, November 3, 10, and 17, 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!
All Saints’ Sunday
Sunday, November 6
On All Saints’ Sunday, you have the opportunity in worship to come forward to remember a deceased loved one by lighting a candle during the prayers. Please fill out a Saints Remembrance form at church or email the church office (lch@LCHwelcome.org) with the names of those you would like printed in the special bulletin insert. Join us for this special remembrance.
Godly Play Sunday School
Since LCH services are now hybrid, we are presenting a hybrid in-person/online version of Godly Play.
The in-person part will take place in Isenberg Hall at 9:00 am and will follow the same guidelines as LCH in-person worship. Each Saturday the link for the online meeting will be sent to all who need to join from their home. The online meeting will be shorter, just covering the story. Contact the LCH office if you wish to be added to the invitation list.
This class is geared for children in kindergarten through 5th grade. All are welcome!
Below is the schedule of Godly Play stories for November:
- 11/6—The Ark and the Tent
- 11/13—The Ark and the Temple
- 11/20—Jonah, the Backward Prophet
- 11/27—Advent I (Prophets) and The Circle of the Church Year
Adult Forum
Sundays at 9:00 am • In-person in the Boardroom or Via Zoom Meeting
Adult Forum will continue Wayne Gau interesting discussion on the centuries-long discussion of the Apostolic Succession, focusing primarily on the Biblical origins of the practice in the Roman Catholic and the Episcopal Churches and its effects on the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). This topic will continue into November.
Following Wayne’s presentations, Adult Forum will present pro-and-con arguments about Christmas holiday practices, including but not limited to the wisdom of buying and giving gifts. This intriguing topic will continue through Advent Season.
All are welcome to join the Adult Forum on Sunday mornings, either via Zoom Meeting or in-person in the Boardroom. If you are coming for worship, just head to the Boardroom at 9:00 and join the others who are there. You do not need to bring your own computer. If you are participating via Zoom, download the free Zoom app, click on the Zoom link sent to you, and 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
Sunday, November 6, 11:30 am • Via Zoom Meeting
Virtual Coffee Hour will be held at 11:30 am on the first Sunday of each month instead of weekly. Hope you can join us!
You are invited to join with your LCH ‘ohana on the first Sundays for a virtual coffee talk following online worship. This discussion time will be via Zoom Meeting, and will run for approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
In order to avoid “Zoom bombing” (surprise visits from unsavory folks), you will need to contact Pastor Jeff, via email at pr.jeff@LCHwelcome.org, for a meeting number and password to log into the meeting. While these are not ideal gathering circumstances, we can at least enjoy a chance to commune together briefly.
Compline
Sundays, November 6 and 20, at 7:30 pm • In-person and 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.
For those not attending in person, Compline will be livestreamed on our Worship Services page and the LCH Facebook page.
First Monday: Reflections, Songs, and Stories: A Day in the Life of George Kahumoku, Jr.
Monday, November 6, 7:00 pm • In-person Only
Please join us for an evening full songs and stories! Grammy and Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winning Slack Key Guitarist George Kahumoku, Jr., will guide us through some history with storytelling and music. Music will include Hawaiian hīmeni (hymns) and a special guest appearance from Malia Kaʻai Barrett. Bring an instrument for the kanikapila portion of the program and your singing voice for a sing-a-long!
First Monday Concerts are free, with a suggested donation $20. As a courtesy to others, please wear a face mask inside the church. This concert will be in-person only; there will be no livestream broadcast.
LCH OFFICE CLOSED
Friday, November 11, in observance of Veterans’ Day
Food for Thought
Saturday, November 12, at 5:30 pm • Hörmann’s Home
Food for Thought meets at the home of Dave Hörmann, who will provide the main dish, while others are asked to bring side dishes or dessert to complete the potluck. If you would like to participate, please contact Peter Flachsbart at pflachsbart@gmail.com to receive an invitation for the next Zoom meeting. If you wish to come in person contact Marlise Tellander at marlisetellander@hotmail.com. Those who plan to come in person should be vaccinated.
First Half of Annual Meeting
Sunday, November 13, at 11:00 am • In-Person or via Zoom Meeting
Each year, congregational members gather as a community to tend to important matters of business and ministry. These include nominating leadership, passing a budget, receiving reports, and discussing our mission objectives. At LCH, we divide our annual meeting into two halves. This year’s meeting will be conducted in-person and via Zoom meeting. In November we’ll elect Congregational Council members to take office in January, review the draft budget, and conduct other business that may need to be transacted. In January, the main business is approving a final budget for the new year. All are welcome and encouraged to attend the meetings, but only members in good standing may vote. Please plan to attend!
If you will be attending the meeting over Zoom, contact Pastor Jeff, via email at pr.jeff@LCHwelcome.org, for a meeting number and password to log into the meeting.
Writers’ Workshop
Tuesday, November 15, at 4:30 pm • Via Zoom Meeting
Writers’ Workshop will continue to meet via Zoom meeting. 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 covid restrictions in the community have relaxed, we continue to practice the requirements of social distancing, masks, sanitizing, etc. in this ministry. 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, November 19, at 6:00 pm • Hörmann Courtyard
Mary Magdalene Society will meet in-person for our potluck and game night in the LCH courtyard on November 19. We invite LGBTQI members and friends of LCH to prepare their favorite potluck dish, bring a game to play, and join in the festivities. As part of our commitment to mutual care, participants should 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 November 13 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.
LCH Women’s Book Club
Monday, November 21, at 10:00 am • In-Person at the Murashige’s Home
LCH Women’s Book Club will meet on Monday, November 21, at the Murashige’s home. We will also be on Zoom for those who prefer to maintain distance. For more specific information about what we are reading ask a member of the group.
If you are not already on the Book Club list, please contact Juditha Murashige at jcmurashige@earthlink.net to receive an invitation to join them. All are welcome.
LCH OFFICE CLOSED
Thursday and Friday, November 24 and 25, in observance of Thanksgiving Day
Seeking Volunteers and Donations for ONE POT, ONE HOPE
Saturday, November 26, at 9:00 am • Maluhia Lutheran Church in Wai‘anae
The One Pot, One Hope ministry, a Hukilau project, continues each month at Maluhia Lutheran Church in Wai‘anae, restarted on March 26. Please consider participating by joining the volunteers, at the next meet-up on Saturday, May 28, at 9:00 am. You can also contribute by donating 5-lb. 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.
48th Annual Advent Procession
November 27 at 7:30 pm • In-person and Via Livestreaming Broadcast
Join us for Lutheran Church of Honolulu’s annual Advent Procession, a beloved Hawai‘i tradition since 1975. This year the service will be led by Barry Wenger, our new organist and director of music, and will include seasonal readings, hymns old and new, and glorious choral selections by the LCH Choir.
For those not attending in person, the concert will be livestreamed on our Worship Services page and the LCH Facebook page and then archived on the LCH Facebook page
Regular Offerings
If you are not attending church in person, you are encouraged to mail your offering check directly to the church: Lutheran Church of Honolulu, 1730 Punahou Street, Honolulu HI 96822. If you would like to set up regular electronic funds transfer from your checking or savings account, forms are available at www.lchwelcome.org/support or can be requested by email to LCH@LCHwelcome.org. If you prefer to make a one time contribution or ongoing pledge by credit card, there is a link in the bottom right corner of each page of the church website or you can go directly to www.lchwelcome.org/donate. Thank you!
Save on Your Taxes!
For individuals taking required distributions from a retirement account, under the new tax law, if you give cash or check donations from your personal funds, you will be taxed on them and you may not be able to take the deduction. There are two ways to avoid this.
- Donate directly to LCH from your IRA. If you take money directly from your IRA to give to LCH, this increases your income and may increase your tax bracket. You may not be able to use the deduction because of the new, higher standard deduction. Give directly by telling your IRA provider to donate to the church—the account representative will do this easily.
- Give appreciated stock directly to LCH. If you sell stock and then donate, it increases your tax bracket, and you may not be able to use the deduction because of the new, higher standard deduction. Instruct your broker to donate directly to LCH.
The church’s legal name and address is:
Lutheran Church of Honolulu
(Note: There is no The in the church title)
1730 Punahou Street, Honolulu, HI 96822
If you need the Federal Tax ID (EIN) or if you have questions, please contact Steve Miller. As always, please check with your tax advisors to determine what is appropriate for you.
An Easy Way to Donate
Did you know you can donate to Lutheran Church of Honolulu while shopping without spending any extra money? Shop at smile.amazon.com and increase donations to Lutheran Church of Honolulu! Any Amazon purchase can be made through LCH’s unique charity-link, which will take you directly to smile.amazon.com in support of LCH. Just type this URL in your browser and start shopping: smile.amazon.com/ch/99-0079975.
Edward Shipwright Memorial Piano Fund
The church has an ongoing need for maintenance of our current piano, which is on generous loan from Mark Wong. We also need to plan for eventual purchase of an excellent, permanent piano for LCH.
Therefore, we have established the Edward Shipwright Memorial Piano Fund. Dr. Shipwright was the head of the piano division of the Music Department at UH Mānoa. Many people associated with LCH were students or friends of Ed. The fund will be a fitting memorial to his 50 years of teaching and playing.
| Offering Fund | Amount | Offering Fund | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Offering | $8,855 | Concert Fund | $183 |
| Music Fund | $275 | Capital Improvements | $30 |
| Family Promise | $110 | One Pot, One Hope | $20 |
HeartBeat Deadline
Tuesday, November 15, 9:00 am
Angela N., Aubrey A., friends and family of Billy S., Chuck H. and Nan W., Colleen K., Dan, Diane B., Harold W., Ilse L., Jenny P., friends and family of John David S., Judy M., Karen and Kerstin, Karen and Richard E., Kathy M., Kendra K., Kim B., Lissa G., Lori W., Mel S., Michael, Miriam S., Patricia, Resi, Samantha C., Steve, Sweetie K., Tom P., Tom R., and William
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.
