HeartBeat—December 2022

From Pastor Jeff

Same Thing Again—Advent’s Pull Toward the Holy

When I first wrote this article, I tried to focus on the joy and hope brought on by the start of the Advent season. After the long summer of Pentecost, Advent marks a movement out of ordinary time into the extraordinary history God is unfolding in the final reconciliation of all creation with God; and at the same time, we look forward to the birth of a savior. In the first reading of Advent, Isaiah proclaims, “O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord.”

But a few days ago, a man walked into a gay club in Colorado Springs and began shooting. People died; people were hurt. Another hate crime. Same thing again.

In states across the country, efforts are being made to restrict voting in ways that disproportionately exclude people of color and poor people from the fundamental right to vote. Jim Crow laws and redlining are being revived in certain locales in the name of protection of rights “for all people.” Same thing again.

Women’s rights and wage equality have been at issue for decades. Having made strides toward leveling the wage playing field and asserting a woman’s right to govern her own body, recent legislation and a growing regressive political atmosphere are engendering new violence against women. Same thing again.

Just as gay marriage and recognition of rights for transgender persons moved into the mainstream, violence against these communities continues to rise at an alarming rate. Same thing again.

Following years of growing awareness about the rise in anti-Semitism and white supremacy in the U.S., anti-Semitic incidents reached an all-time high in 2021 (see reports by Voice of America, April 26, 2021). Same thing again, and again, and again.

While some people might see these as purely political issues unrelated to faith or religion, there is no escaping the spiritual and community pain inflicted by these actions. If we take seriously Jesus’ command to care for the poor, disenfranchised, and suffering, then persons of faith cannot sit idly by pretending it has nothing to do with them. The five people who died at Club Q in Colorado Springs died not because they stopped in for a beer, but because they stopped in for a beer at an LGBTQ club. Many who were there that night described the club as their family, their home, and their refuge. Trust, security, sanctuary, and friendship were victims along with those who were shot. Where else should the church be in such times?

When anti-Semitic and anti-Muslim violence broke out in New York, faith organizations across the spectrum rallied to provide safe harbor, a place to worship, and a clear statement condemning these violent acts against these children of God. Where else should the church be in such times? Who will we pray with if we are not willing to pray with and for those most preyed upon? How will God’s promise of love and hope come to the world if we are not a part of the new thing God is up to in the world?

Advent is all about God revealing God’s self in Christ, as a baby, as a savior on a cross, and as the resurrected one. Through his life and teaching, we have come to know that God’s love extends to all of creation, even the parts and people we don’t care for or understand. But love is always at the root of that revelation. As this new year unfolds, we are being called to live out that love in new and expansive ways that at times may make us uncomfortable. We may have to leave old prejudices and hatreds behind and look with eyes refreshed in the spirit to see what Jesus saw—beloved children of God, a rich creation in need of care and sharing, and a faith that puts the needs of the other before the needs of the self. There is no room in that faith for hatred, discrimination, murder, or apathy. There is no room to be numb to the daily violence against the LGBTQ people, Jews, Muslims, people of color, females, or any other group you care to name. Simply put, there is no room for the same thing again. God is up to something more expansive and inclusive that most of us can’t even imagine. God is bringing Advent hope to those who have been told time and again by the church and by society that they are irredeemable sinners, social pariahs, unworthy for who or how they love or for their gender. God is bringing hope and light to those whose lives are overshadowed. Perhaps it is time for God’s people to give into God’s pull toward God’s future, God’s relentless acts of love, and God’s immeasurable hope and to find ourselves walking into God’s light. For in Christ, the same thing again is simple not enough.

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.

Healing a Broken World

For the last two months we have reflected on our gratitude for God’s blessing and abundant love for us, our community, and the whole of creation. And as grateful stewards of God’s love, we have made our commitments of time, talents, and treasure to God’s ministry here at the Lutheran Church of Honolulu. All of us on the Stewardship Team thank you for your generous expressions of commitments/pledges, which we dedicated November 20th. We have come through a very difficult three years and the world around us is still a mess, but those of us at LCH rest secure in God’s abiding love.

We live in a polarized nation, a country filled with unrest, violence, injustices, and inequity. People and companies find themselves in precarious/perilous financial situations. We face a possible environmental melt down, and UN-Secretary General Antonio Guterres stated at the climate summit, “We are on a highway to climate hell with our foot still on the accelerator.” Though things have opened up some, we still feel a sense of isolation or disconnection from the communities we once knew. We’ve experienced loss and a sense of brokenness from all that has transpired over time. We find ourselves looking for a new way forward.

The world may be a mess, but we do not despair. As we sing in the first verse of ELW 633:

We’ve come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord;
     trusting in his holy word, he’s never failed us yet.
Oh, we can’t turn back, we’ve come this far by faith.
     We’ve come this far by faith.

In faith we know that God has not—and will not—fail us. This strengthens us to move forward in the belief that God is with us and wants us to live abundantly, as we lend our hands to God’s work of healing this broken world.

Facing the messy world described above, your Stewardship Team has chosen to focus on the theme of “Healing a Broken World” over the next year. We will focus on healing and health in a variety of areas including spiritual health and wellbeing, renewing community, healing creation and the environment, recovery from trauma, and financial health. We will weave the spiritual thread through all of it.

Our focus on healing our broken world does not deny the messiness around and within us or imagine that everything can be returned to its original state of perfection. So, we have chosen the image of a tea bowl that has been broken and repaired by a process the Japanese call kintsugi (gold joinery), where broken pottery is repaired by filling missing areas with lacquer mixed with gold, thus restoring it to a thing of greater beauty. This approach values the entire life of the object—including damage and repairs—and encourages people to treasure objects that have been broken. Similarly, each of us is precious to God, who heals, restores, and strengthens us when we are broken, and continues to use us to spread the love God has given us.

We can help each other be better stewards by focusing on these issues and exploring how we use our hands, perhaps even in some new ways, to do God’s work of restoring all to wholeness. Members of the team are working to prepare classes and activities that can move us forward in each of these areas. We hope you will participate in these activities and classes, and if you feel a calling to help with activities for one or more of these areas, please let me (Phyllis) know, and I’ll put you in touch with the team members working on that topic.

Phyllis Hörmann for the Stewardship Team
Pam Buckley, Willow Chang, Walter Cummings, Phyllis Hörmann, Barbara Poole-Street, Cynthia Scheinert

Mahalo for Give Aloha Donations!

The Give Aloha organization extends their congratulations to LCH! “Your success in Foodland’s Give Aloha 2022 program has resulted in a top 100 finish!” LCH donations totaled $2,341.00, resulting in matching gifts of $504.66, and a grand total of $2,845.66 for LCH and LCH programs. Mahalo for your generosity!

End of Year Donations

Thank you for your generous giving throughout this year. Your faithful stewardship has enabled us to grow in ministry and faithfully support the larger church and community. Mahalo!

Your generous gifts are always needed and appreciated this time of year, and any gift you can give will be a blessing. Additional gifts to the general fund are always most helpful, but you may also make gifts to support capital projects, community assistance, or any other need.

The IRS requires that charitable donations must be received at LCH, or postmarked, by December 31 in order to be counted as 2022 charitable deductions. Contributions brought to LCH or postmarked on or after January 1 will be counted as 2023 charitable deductions, no matter what the date is on the check.

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.

Donate a Poinsettia for Christmas

You have an opportunity to dedicate a poinsettia plant to help decorate the nave for Christmas. If you wish to donate poinsettia, please email the LCH office at lch@lchwelcome.org. Provide the names of friends and loved ones you are dedicating, and whether the dedication is in their honor or memory. Indicate the number of plants you are purchasing, and mail a check to LCH for the total cost (plants are $9 each). Thank you for helping to make the environment festive for Christmas!

Communion Bread

After a 3-year covid hiatus, we are happy to announce that we will return to using fresh, real bread in the celebration of the Eucharist. Of course, in order to do this, we need to have bakers willing to provide that bread. Please consider this happy chore and sign up to be a communion bread maker. There will be a sign-up sheet at the service on Sunday. Bakers select a month in 2023. You then can either bring fresh loaves each week or deliver for the entire month at the beginning of the month. (We can freeze loaves and bring out what we need for each Sunday.) If you have any questions, please see Randy Castello or email him at: nichmari02@gmail.com.

Join the LCH Choir!

Have you sung with the LCH choir or another choir in the past? Would you like to join the LCH Choir to prepare a major work on a short-term basis? If so, please join us on:

• Thursday, December 8 at 8:00 pm
• Thursday, December 15 at 8:00 pm
• Monday, December 19, 7:00 pm to rehearse with orchestra
• Thursday, December 22, 7:00 pm to rehearse with orchestra
• Saturday, December 24, 6:00 pm for our warm-up

We will present Vivaldi’s Gloria at 7:00 pm on Christmas Eve as a Festival Prelude to worship at 7:30 pm.

If interested, please contact Barry Wenger at barryjwenger@gmail.com for an easy audition to sing with the wonderful LCH Choir!

Decorating the Nave Christmas Tree

For the past several years, we have enjoyed decorating a Christmas tree in the Nave with hand-made ornaments called Chrismons. These are ornaments depicting Christian symbols that remind us of the true meaning of this season. It is also a wonderful way for us to join together in creating this beautiful addition to our celebration of Christmas at LCH. If you would like to make a Chrismon this year, we will have kits available beginning on the first Sunday of Advent. The kit will have all the pieces prepared for you; you just need to put them together. Then we will gather all of the completed Chrismons on the Fourth Sunday of Advent (Dec. 18) and put them on the tree for everyone to enjoy during the Christmas services. If you have any questions, contact Randy Castello (nichmari02@gmail.com).

Angel Network In-Gathering

LCH is not collecting donations for Angel Network Charities until further notice. However, Angel Network is accepting donations at the Calvary-by-the-Sea Lutheran Church location in east O‘ahu: 5339 Kalaniana‘ole Highway, Honolulu 96821.

For those who are able and interested in donating, they accept donations on Thursdays and Fridays, from 8:30 am to noon. They will only accept packaged, unopened dry goods (e.g. cereal, flour, sugar, pasta, etc.) and canned goods.

Angel Network requires that donating drivers identify themselves and remain in their vehicle. Volunteers will offload donation items from your vehicle with protective gloves. Over 2,500 individuals are served monthly through this program. Mahalo for your generosity and support.

Book of Faith Bible Study

Thursdays, 10:00–11:45 am • 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!

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 December:

• 12/4—Advent II (The Holy Family)
• 12/11—Advent III (Shepherds)
• 12/18—Advent IV (Wise Men)
• 12/25—No Sunday School

Adult Forum

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

In December we will continue to discuss the video sermon titled “Giving Up Christmas” from the Heartland Unitarian Universalist Church in Indiana. Dr. Larry Adams describes his disenchantment with the Christmas story and argues that the nativity never really happened as portrayed in the Bible, but the metaphorical value of the story is real. This Adult Forum will offer an alternative way to think about Christmas and will be led by Marsha Schweitzer.

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, December 4, 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.

Confirmation Classes

Sundays, December 4 and 18, at 11:45 am • In-person

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.

Please contact Pastor Jeff at pr.jeff@LCHwelcome.org for more information.

Advent Open House at Pastor Bree and Jazzy’s Little Farm

Sunday, December 4, 3:00–6:00 pm

All are welcome for food, fellowship, and merriment at Pastors Bree and Jazzy’s home. The gathering will take place on Sunday afternoon, December 4. Food will be provided. Bring your own drinks. RSVPs will be helpful but not necessary. Email pr.bree@LCHwelcome.org. The address is 85-368 Wai‘anae Valley Rd. The house is green with white trim, a large, red hibiscus in front of the house, and solar panels on the roof. Turn in the driveway past the finished half of the wood fence (if you are wondering, we are still waiting on DPP to OK the other half). Park anywhere in the yard. Carpooling may be helpful, as the drive from Honolulu is about 40 minutes.

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: A Holiday Horn Spectacular

Monday, December 5, 7:00 pm • In-person Only

Horns go-a-caroling!!!! Join us for the Lutheran Church of Honoluluʻs First Mondays Chamber Concerts Horn Quartet performance. We will be getting festive with a variety of holiday tunes. Come ready to join in singing along with your favorite carol! To start spreading Holiday Cheer there will be 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes for the most-festively-dressed audience member.

Our artists for the evening are Marie Lickwar, Jamie Sanborn, Rory Onishi, and Colton Hironaka. They all believe in the words of Buddy the Elf, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”

First Monday Concerts are free, with a suggested donation $20. As a courtesy to others, please wear a face mask inside the church. The concert will only be offered live; there will be no livestream.

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!

Mary Magdalene Society Potluck and Gift Exchange

Saturday, December 10, at 5:30 pm • At Carolyn Koehler’s Home in Waipahu

Mary Magdalene Society will meet in-person for our potluck and gift exchange at Carolyn Koehler’s home on December 10. We invite LGBTQI members and friends of LCH to prepare their favorite potluck dish, bring a wrapped gift, 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.

Following supper, we will enjoy our annual gift exchange with plenty of good-natured but ruthless “stealing” of gifts from the grab bag. Please bring a $10 gift for the grab bag and your spirt of holiday fun.

An email (including directions to Carolyn’s home) will be sent around December 4 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.

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.

Food for Thought

Saturday, December 17, at 5:30 pm • Hörmann’s Home

Food for Thought meets at the home of David 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 virtually, 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.

LCH Women’s Book Club

Monday, December 19, 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.

Writers’ Workshop

Tuesday, December 20, 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.

Blue Christmas Evening Prayer Service

Wednesday, December 21, 7:30 pm • In-person Only

Holidays can be a time of celebration and joy. They can be an occasion for gathering with loved ones and celebrating the gifts of the season and of each other. For some of us, they can also be a time of grief—remembering and longing for loved ones that are no longer with us, those that have been lost during these holiday times, or praying for people who may be grieving around the world. All are welcome to a Wednesday evening prayer service on the winter solstice, the darkest night of the year in the northern hemisphere, to grieve the losses that are closer to our hearts during this time of year. This service kicks off the Stewardship theme at LCH for 2023: Healing a Broken World. Come for prayer, song, and lighting candles during this service that offers space for grief amidst the holidays.

The service will only be offered live; there will be no livestream.

Deck the Halls!

On December 23rd at 9:00 any vaccinated and willing members of the congregation are invited to help decorate the Nave for Christmas. Come join us at this festive time! If you have any questions, please contact the church office.

LCH Office Closed for the Christmas Holiday

Friday and Monday, December 23 and 26

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.

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.

Electronic Funds Transfers for October

Offering Fund	Amount	Offering Fund	Amount
Offering	$8,835	Family Promise	$70
Music Fund	$285	Capital Improvements	$55
Concert Fund	$130	One Pot, One Hope	$20

Attendance and Offerings for November

Date	Worship Service	Attendance	Offering Fund	Amount
November 6	Hybrid Worship	69 + 119 views	Offerings	$1,764
	In-person Compline	18	Concert Fund	$317
			Wounded Warriors	$50
November 13	Hybrid Worship	63 + 103 views	Family Promise	$40
			One Pot, One Hope	$40
November 20	Hybrid Worship	57 + 94 views	Offering	$13,399
	Hybrid Compline	20 + 85 views	Youth Outreach	$792
			Music Fund	$250
November 27	Hybrid Worship	69 + 200 views	Social Ministries/IHS	$120
	Advent Procession	48 + 250 views	Wounded Warriors	$100
			Family Promise	$50
			Domestic Relief	$30
			Angel Network	$20

HeartBeat Deadline

Tuesday, December 20, 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., Intae K., 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, Mike M., Miriam S., Patricia, Resi, Roger R., Samantha C., friends and family of Shirley M., 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.

December Birthdays

12/03	Betty Petersen
12/04	James Sullivan
12/04	Jerelyn Watanabe
12/06	Jean Lilley
12/09	Masako Schwabenitz
12/10	Tom Juvinall
12/18	Jacob Burkman
12/20	Peggy Anderson
12/25	Nicole Engel-Nitz
12/23	Linden Doescher
12/24	Sophie Cheng

Calendar: December 2022

Day	Date	Event and Time
Thursday	December 1	10:00 am, Bible Study, Boardroom/Zoom Meeting 6:00 pm, Restorative Yoga Zoom Class
Sunday	December 4	9:00 am, Godly Play, Isenberg Hall/Zoom Meeting 9:00 am, Adult Forum, Boardroom/Zoom Meeting 10:00 am, In-person/Streaming Worship Service 11:30 am, Virtual Coffee Talk Zoom Meeting 11:45 am, Confirmation, Rainbow Room 3:00 pm, Advent Open House at Pastor Bree and Jazzy’s Home 7:30 pm, In-person/Streaming Compline Service
Monday	December 5	7:00 pm, First Monday Concert, In-person Only
Tuesday	December 6	6:30 pm, Leadership Roundtable Zoom Meeting
Thursday	December 8	10:00 am, Bible Study, Boardroom/Zoom Meeting 6:00 pm, Restorative Yoga Zoom Class 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Saturday	December 10	5:30 pm, Mary Magdalene Potluck and Gift Exchange, Koehler Home
Sunday	December 11	9:00 am, Godly Play, Isenberg Hall/Zoom Meeting 9:00 am, Adult Forum, Boardroom/Zoom Meeting 10:00 am, In-person/Streaming Worship Service
Tuesday	December 13	6:30 pm, Worship and Music Zoom Meeting
Thursday	December 15	10:00 am, Bible Study, Boardroom/Zoom Meeting noon, IHS Brown Bag Meal Prep (closed group) 6:00 pm, Restorative Yoga Zoom Class 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Saturday	December 17	5:30 pm, Food for Thought at David Hömann’s Home
Sunday	December 18	9:00 am, Godly Play, Isenberg Hall/Zoom Meeting 9:00 am, Adult Forum, Boardroom/Zoom Meeting 10:00 am, In-person/Streaming Worship Service 11:45 am, Confirmation, Rainbow Room 7:30 pm, In-person/Streaming Compline Service
Monday	December 19	10:00 am, Women’s Book Club at the Murashige’s Home
Tuesday	December 20	HeartBeat Submissions Deadline 4:30 pm, Writers’ Workshop Zoom Meeting
Wednesday	December 21	noon, Finance Committee Zoom Meting 7:00 pm, Blue Christmas Service, In-person Only
Thursday	December 22	10:00 am, Bible Study, Boardroom/Zoom Meeting 6:00 pm, Restorative Yoga Zoom Class 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Friday	December 23	OFFICE CLOSED—Christmas Holiday 9:00 am, Poinsettia and Christmas Set-up, Nave
Saturday	December 24	Christmas Eve 5:00 pm, Streaming/In-person Christmas Eve Family Worship 7:30 pm, Streaming/In-person Christmas Eve Choral Eucharist
Sunday	December 25	Christmas Day 10:00 am, Streaming/In-person Christmas Day Liturgy
Monday	December 26	OFFICE CLOSED—Christmas Holiday
Tuesday	December 27	6:00 pm, Executive Council Zoom Meeting 6:30 pm, LCH Council Zoom Meeting
Thursday	December 29	10:00 am, Bible Study, Boardroom/Zoom Meeting 6:00 pm, Restorative Yoga Zoom Class 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Saturday	December 31	9:00 am, One Pot, One Hope, Maluhia Lutheran Church