HeartBeat—January 2023

From Pastor Jeff

New Beginnings

We in the church are lucky; we get to celebrate the new year twice every twelve months. Our first new year celebration is guided by the rhythms of the liturgical calendar. The long days of the season of Pentecost—the time of the church—give way to Advent—a time of anticipation and hope. It is a new year that goes mostly unnoticed by most of the world, and even by many Christians. But the marking of our days by the liturgical calendar alters the cadence of our yearly life journey to match, in some small way, the journey of Jesus and his followers.

The first Sunday of Advent leans not into the past but to an indeterminate and yet promised future. Images of the end time—of angels, of frighten fathers and willing young women—pace us toward the birth of the messiah, the beloved, the sacred child. And as we peer at the glowing crèche, we also know where it will all end and begin again—on the cross.

So, in Advent, the ancient story starts anew each year on the first Sunday of Advent. It is a story we already know, and yet its relevance to our daily life should not be lost on us. The child named “God saves” and “God is with us” born to Mary continues to be enfleshed in the work, worship, service, prayer, play, sorrow, and joy of our daily lives. As we journey through our lives this year, we do so in tune with the story of Jesus from his birth, to the first lights of his ministry, to miraculous healing and times of doubt. We walk with him through his musings about good and evil, his temptations, his laughter, his dinners with friends, his refusal to be pressed into a mold of religiousness, his struggles with his disciples, and his deep love for all who are confused, hurt, longing, crushed with grief, and seeking a deeper relationship with God.

For me, this is the genius of living in rhythm with the liturgical calendar. So much of what Jesus, and then later Peter and the other disciples, experience speaks to our own daily life. We connect with Mary because young women are still showing unflinching courage in difficult times. We understand the hesitancy of the disciples because we ourselves struggle to hear and respond to God’s call. We resonate with Jesus’ anger as he knocks over the money changing tables in the temple because we feel powerless to stand up to systems that rob the poor and perpetuate injustice. We want to crawl into the Garden at Gethsemane with Jesus because we know first-hand the fear in our own hearts. And finally, we rejoice when the blind man or the woman with the issue of blood is healed because we know our own brokenness and blindness leaves us and all the world in need of healing.

So, our year begins in the shadow and light of Jesus and those whom he loved and loved him. As our journey unfolds this year, may it unfold to rhythms of God’s story of love for us and for all creation. I pray we will grow in God’s spirit, in ministry, in service, and in care for the earth and all her creatures and that we will remain forever in the persistent presence of Jesus, Emmanuel.

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: Spiritual Health and Wellbeing

Pastor Jeff helped us launch our new year’s focus on “Healing a Broken World” with a first session on spirituality—and more specifically an incarnational spirituality—on December 18 in the Adult Forum. He raised the following questions: What does spirituality mean to you? What does it mean to be spiritual? How does our spirituality connect with daily life? And, can a deepened spirituality change us, or even the world? That’s much to ponder. I wonder how you might answer the first question. Everyone attending Adult Forum answered the first question a little differently. That’s not surprising, since ideas about spirituality, along with religious traditions and practices, have varied over time.

I want to share a personal story: Growing up we all had chores. One of those chores was to make our beds promptly every morning. It was expected of us, and we looked at it as something we had to do. Today, I have a very different attitude towards this relatively mundane task. I have a patchwork quilt made by members of the congregation where I did my internship. It was given to me as a farewell gift. Each patch was designed by a different person. For a while, I hung it on a wall but never dared use it on my bed. Then it spent many years folded on a shelf. More recently I have started using it again. I don’t know if bringing it out had something to do with the change in my attitude toward making my bed, but this task has become a definite joy.

First, I smooth out and straighten the sheets and pillows. Then I put on that beautiful patchwork quilt and remember with fondness the people of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Auburn, CA, as well as my experience there. The child in me was never a doll lover, but she loved stuffed animals. I have a sort of Raggedy-Anne-style bunny, an Eeyore, a sheep, and a mamma and baby honu (turtle). I also have a giant spam musubi (rice ball) pillow my brother gave me. All of these get placed against the regular pillows. I might place them differently each time. It leaves me looking forward to the evening when I finally retire for the night. I love to climb into a nicely made bed.

From beginning to end there’s an intentionality I bring to the process of making my bed that reminds me of times past and people whose lives have overlapped with mine from family, to friends, and to people with whom I’ve shared the pastoral ministry connection.

As I think about this mundane task, I wonder what might happen when I recognize in some of the other mundane—or not so mundane—tasks I do, whether vocational or otherwise, that the attitude I bring to those tasks often impacts others. When I intentionally bring the “best me” to every job or task I do, my actions affect others positively. We may not ever know the impact we make on the people we interact with, but imagining/thinking that we do affect them can make a big difference in how we live each day. We connect with others and care for them each in our unique ways, and that is what I think of as an incarnational or embodied spirituality.

One morning (actually Boxing Day or the Feast of St. Stephen) as I walked my dog Tacoma to Napuanani Park and back, a Handi-Van Driver sat in his van as he waited for the time to pick up his next rider. It looked like he might be doing some paper work. Before we left the park, I wished him a Merry Christmas and thanked him for what he does. I shared with him that my father was dependent on the Handi-Van in his later years and how grateful he was for the service they provided. He smiled and said, “Thank you for that!”

I thank all of you for the ways you live out your faith by bringing your best you to the tasks at hand. I give thanks for the many ways that I see others connecting with and caring for people even when doing mundane tasks and maybe especially when doing mundane tasks. What does it mean to bring your spirituality to daily life? What do people see? I invite everyone to think about this as we discern the ways the Spirit is acting through us in our daily lives.

The Adult Forum will resume meeting January 8, and Pastor Jeff will continue to talk about Listening, and the role that plays in growing our spirituality, thus deepening our love for God and one another and so bring about some healing in our broken world. An active faith is embodied in all that we do. Phyllis Hörmann will provide some sessions with a focus on prayer, which will compliment what Pastor Jeff presents. Sessions will include what prayer is, types of prayer, and suggested experiential and active prayer practices to try. When we bring our hearts, intentions, and best selves to the tasks we do, it can be considered an active prayer. It might also be considered worshipful.

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

Committee Chair Reports

It’s time to begin compiling the Annual Report! Please submit your committee’s yearly report to the LCH office. Deadline extended to January 13. Direct questions to the office at 808-941-2566 or email LCH@LCHwelcome.org.

Family Promise of Hawai’i Update

LCH has worked with Family Promise of Hawai‘i (FPH) since 2017. FPH is the local affiliate of the Family Promise national organization, which has 200 affiliates in 43 states. Their mission statement reads: Our mission is to help homeless and low-income families in Hawai‘i achieve sustainable independence by mobilizing existing community resources and support.

In Hawai‘i, Family Promise began in 2006 with the involvement of 11 congregations in Windward O‘ahu taking turns to provide temporary shelter for one or two families (up to 14 people). From the beginning, hospitality has been an important value, with members of the congregation hosting meals and eating with the families. Since 2006, FPH has helped 5,000 individual clients. In 2022, FPH worked with 350 households with 866 individuals. 80% of families have gone into permanent housing, assisted through wrap-around services for at least 6 months. This shelter model could no longer continue after pandemic restrictions were in place.

For several years, the Shallow Subsidy program assisted families with a small monthly grant for rental supplement. Many at LCH initially pledged support for this program. The Shallow Subsidy model has been phased out, but LCH members continue to make donations to FPH.

Recently, Lama Chang (Family Promise of Hawai‘i director of operations) shared information about their current initiatives and hopes/plans for the future:

1. FPH will continue to work with congregations and hotels with vacant rooms to provide temporary housing to displaced families.
2. On October 1, FPH initiated their second 2-year grant through the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) under the auspices of the Crime Prevention and Justice Assistance Division of the Attorney General’s Office program. VOCA passed into federal law in 1984 and helps victims deal with the tangible costs of surviving a crime, such as medical bills, counseling services, and lost wages. From 2021 to 2022, FPH helped serve 45 families who experienced some type of victimization while being homeless. 66% of these families were successfully placed into permanent housing.
3. FPH will be focusing on victims of domestic violence, starting December 1, through the Department of Housing of Urban Development (HUD) via the Continuum of Care Program grant. With their array of services, FPH will help people recover and rebuild (rapid rehousing, rental assistance, case management, literacy and workforce development). This is their first HUD direct grant and the largest nationally to be awarded to an agency.
4. FPH recently received a grant from Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos’ Day One Family Fund for $2.5 million. They are looking to purchase property with a suitable building as a shelter space for families. They will also use part of the money to expand their comprehensive services to include rental assistance for their diversion and prevention program, along with providing extensive case management services.

Ms. Chang noted that although FPH has received large amounts of funding, each grant mentioned above is used toward direct program services. These dollars do not support administrative costs (accounting services, insurance, etc.), food, fuel, and other miscellaneous expenses that occur.

On Saturday morning, December 17, FPH held a town hall style meeting in Isenberg Hall for representatives of cooperating faith communities and the FPH staff. Representatives from Temple Emmanuel, Church of the Crossroads, First United Methodist Church, Christ Church Uniting, Nu‘uanu Congregational Church (NCC), Mānoa Valley Congregational Church, and LCH attended. NCC shared that they have entered into a long-term rental agreement with Family Promise, to provide ongoing space for up to three families. Pr. Jeannie Thompson from NCC noted that congregations are open to long-term partnerships with other non-profits as a new model for providing ministry. The participants in the meeting brainstormed ways to build on the success of models like the one used by NCC.

FPH credits some of their success to being flexible and nimble in response to changing circumstances in the economy and community. FPH is ready to look for and implement new models for serving families. Their core values of hospitality, hope, and home provide a focus for their work with families who are experiencing challenges in Hawai‘i’s tight rental market. The ultimate goal is to keep the families together, and get them into permanent housing, assisting with services that aid in stabilization of the family’s circumstances.

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.

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 the Godly Play Room and 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. The on-line 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 to children in kindergarten through 5th grade. All are welcome!

• 1/1—Christmas (Babushka)
• 1/8—Change Paraments/Epiphany
• 1/15—Parable of the Great Banquet
• 1/22—Parable of the Good Shepherd
• 1/29—Parable of the Good Samaritan

Adult Forum

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

Pastor Jeff continues the discussion related to the new stewardship theme of Healing a Broken World with some sessions on “Incarnational Spirituality” using material from Dietrich Bonhoeffer and John Molinos. The session will begin with a conversation on people’s understanding of spirituality and focus on living one’s faith in the world. An active faith is embodied in all that we do. Faith is a part of our essence or being.

The sessions will continue through January. Phyllis Hörmann will provide some sessions with a focus on prayer which will compliment what Pastor Jeff presents. Sessions will include what prayer is, types of prayer, and suggested experiential and active prayer practices to try.

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, January 1, 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, January 1 and 15, 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.

LCH Office Closed for the New Year’s Holiday

Monday, January 2

First Mondays: An Evening of Music for Piano and Four Hands

Monday, January 2, 7:30 pm • In-person

Join us for an evening of four hands piano as we enjoy music by Mozart, Mendelssohn, Schubert, and Ravel performed by pianists Dr. Thomas Yee and Dr. Tyler Flores Ramos.

Mozart—Sonata for 4 Hands in D major, k 381
Mendelssohn—Andante and Allegro Brillante, Op. 92
Schubert—Fantasia in F minor, d 940
Ravel—Le tombeau de Couperin

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 be in-person only; there will be no livestream.

Leadership Roundtable

Tuesday, January 3, 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, January 5, 12, 19, and 26, 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!

Confirmation Classes

Sundays, January 8 and 22, 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.

LCH Office Closed for Martin Luther King, Jr., Day

Monday, January 16

Writers’ Workshop

Tuesday, January 17, 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, January 21, at 5:30 pm • Hörmann Courtyard

Mary Magdalene Society will meet in-person for our potluck and game night in the Hörmann Courtyard. We invite LGBTQI members and friends of LCH to prepare their favorite potluck dish 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 January 15 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, January 23, 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.

Seeking Volunteers and Donations for ONE POT, ONE HOPE

Saturday, January 28, 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.

Food for Thought

Saturday, January 28, 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.

Annual Congregational Meeting, Part 2

Sunday, January 29, at 11:20 am • In-person and Via Zoom Meeting

Part 2 of the 2021–2022 Annual Meeting is scheduled for January 29. The main business is to approve a final budget for the new year. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend, but only members in good standing may vote. Please plan to attend!

Punahou Academy Spring Term Parking

Monday–Friday • Church Lot & Poki Lot

The Punahou Academy spring semester begins Tuesday, January 3. Student parking resumes in the LCH Poki Street and church parking lots. All Poki Street lot spaces are reserved for Punahou student parking, Monday through Friday, from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm on school days only, through May 27. There are ten spaces reserved for Punahou students in the church lot for the spring semester. All spaces along the Poki Street side of the church lot and two spaces in the gravel area nearest to the dumpster are reserved. Please do not park in the designated student spaces Monday through Friday, from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm on school days only, through May 27.

Please do not park in the Poki Street lot during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. Even if spaces are empty, they are paid for by and reserved for Punahou students. It is recommended that you observe posted “Reserved Parking” signs and park in the church lot, against the LCH office building, during office hours when visiting LCH on regular business days. The church lot parking diagram is included, following this article, for guidance.

Please be aware that cars parked in the church lot after 10:00 pm will be towed at the owner’s expense.

2022 Giving Statements

Mahalo to everyone for your generous giving to LCH over the past year. Giving statements for the 2021 tax year will be distributed via email during the week of January 16. Statements to anyone who has given $25 or more this calendar year will be generated by the church’s accounting software and sent as PDF attachments to emails from statements@LCHwelcome.org.

If the church does not have your email address, the statement will be mailed to your address in the accounting software. To help us save postage and to let you receive your statement as quickly as possible, if you have not gotten a giving statement by email in the past or have changed your email address, please email me at fin-sec@LCHwelcome.org with the best email address for your statement.

Please contact me at the email address on the statement if you find any errors or are unclear about anything on your giving statement. If you have given $25 or more and do not receive a statement by January 20, please check your spam folder first, and if it is not there, please let me know at fin-sec@LCHwelcome.org, and I will make sure you get a statement.

Bill Potter, financial secretary

Volunteers needed—Youth Fundraiser!

Punahou Carnival Parking • Friday & Saturday, February 3 & 4

Each year, the LCH youth request your help with their Punahou Carnival parking fundraiser. The carnival begins annually on the first Friday of February and lasts for two days. We need adult and youth volunteers for three-hour shifts during the carnival on both days. Event coordinators provide snacks and drinks, flashlights and safety vests, and you provide the fellowship! Sign-up sheets will be made available in the Hörmann Courtyard after worship services. Volunteer shifts on both Friday, February 4, and Saturday, February 5, are: 10:30 am–1:30 pm, 1:30–4:30 pm, 4:30–7:30 pm, and 7:30–10:30 pm. Thank you!

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 November

Offering Fund	Amount	Offering Fund	Amount
Offering	$8,970	Social Ministries/IHS	$75
Music Fund	$485	Family Promise	$70
Concert Fund	$345	One Pot, One Hope	$20
Capital Improvements	$305

Attendance and Offerings for December

Date	Worship Service	Attendance	Offering Fund	Amount
December 4	Hybrid Worship	68 + 96 views	Offerings	$10,743
	Hybrid Compline	10 + 64 views	Orvis Music Fund	$9,500
			Concert Fund	$796
			Family Promise	$390
December 11	Hybrid Worship	63 + 109 views	Music—Instrument	$250
			Youth Outreach	$100
			Social Ministries/IHS	$50
			Compline	$20
December 18	Hybrid Worship	54 + 114 views	Offering	$10,116
	In-Person Compline	19	Family Promise	$1,265
			Concert Fund	$979
			Angel Networks	$225
December 24	Hybrid Family Worship	60 + unknown views	Wounded Warriors	$225
	Hybrid Choral Eucharist	117 + 337 views	Music Fund	$200
			Altar Flowers	$156
December 25	Hybrid Worship	49 + 113 views	Social Ministries/IHS	$120
			Domestic Relief	$30

HeartBeat Deadline

Tuesday, January 17, 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 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.

January Birthdays

01/03	Jeanne Castello
01/05	Fred Benco
01/06	Angie Niermann
01/06	Matthew Sato
01/12	Allen Bauchle
01/12	Mary Kubota
01/12	Michael Okikawa
01/17	Palmyra Hethcote
01/20	Robert Raasch
01/22	Chuck Huxel
01/23	Jim Niermann
01/29	Marcus Fikse

Calendar: January 2023

Day	Date	Event and Time
Sunday	January 1	9:00 am, Godly Play, Isenberg Hall/Zoom Meeting 10:00 am, In-person/Streaming Worship Service 11:30 am, Virtual Coffee Talk Zoom Meeting 7:30 pm, In-person/Streaming Compline Service
Monday	January 2	Office Closed—New Year’s Day 7:30 pm, First Mondays Concert, In-person Only
Tuesday	January 3	6:30 pm, Leadership Roundtable Zoom Meeting
Thursday	January 5	10:00 am, Bible Study, Boardroom/Zoom Meeting 6:00 pm, Restorative Yoga Zoom Class 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Sunday	January 8	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
Tuesday	January 10	6:30 pm, Worship and Music Zoom Meeting
Thursday	January 12	10:00 am, Bible Study, Boardroom/Zoom Meeting 6:00 pm, Restorative Yoga Zoom Class 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Sunday	January 15	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 7:30 pm, In-person/Streaming Compline Service
Monday	January 16	Office Closed—Martin Luther King, Jr., Day
Tuesday	January 17	HeartBeat Submissions Deadline 4:30 pm, Writers’ Workshop Zoom Meeting
Wednesday	January 18	noon, Finance Committee Zoom Meeting
Thursday	January 19	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	January 21	6:00 pm, Mary Magdalene Society Potluck and Game Night, Hörmann Courtyard
Sunday	January 22	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
Monday	January 23	10:00 am, Women’s Book Club at the Murashige’s Home
Tuesday	January 24	6:00 pm, Executive Council Zoom Meeting 6:30 pm, LCH Council Zoom Meeting
Thursday	January 26	10:00 am, Bible Study, Boardroom/Zoom Meeting 6:00 pm, Restorative Yoga Zoom Class 7:00 pm, LCH Choir Rehearsal
Saturday	January 28	9:00 am, One Pot, One Hope, Maluhia Lutheran Church 5:30 pm, Food for Thought, Hörmann Home
Sunday	January 29	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 11:20 am, 2nd Half of Annual Meeting, In-person/Zoom Meeting