In this issue:
- A Message from Pastor Jeff
- LCH Office Hours
- Stewardship Corner
- Committee/Interest Group Chairs
- Committee Chair Reports
- Angel Network In-Gathering
- Book of Faith Bible Study
- Restorative Yoga
- Godly Play Sunday School
- Adult Forum
- Virtual Coffee Talk with Pastor Jeff
- First Mondays: Dr. Barry J. Wenger plays the von Beckerath
- Leadership Roundtable
- Mary Magdalene Society Potluck and Game Night
- Confirmation Classes
- IHS Brown Bag Meal Prep
- Compline
- LCH Office Closed for Presidents Day
- LCH Women’s Book Club
- Writers’ Workshop
- Ash Wednesday Worship
- Seeking Volunteers and Donations for ONE POT, ONE HOPE
- Food for Thought
- Lenten Wednesdays: Healing a Broken World
- Lenten Soup and Salad Suppers
- Volunteers needed—Youth Fundraiser!
- Regular Offerings
- Edward Shipwright Memorial Piano Fund
- HeartBeat Deadline
- Electronic Funds Transfers for December
- Attendance and Offerings for January
- Prayer Requests
- February Birthdays
- Calendar: February 2023
From Pastor Jeff
Living in God’s Presence, Growing in God’s Spirit
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”—John 20:21–22
In the 20th chapter of the Gospel of John, the disciples encounter Jesus in the upper room where they had been hiding after Mary told them that Jesus had been raised from the dead. He shows them his wounds and bids them to be at peace. This moment becomes a key turning point for the disciples. Up to that point, they had been followers, disciples, interns, and seekers under the direction of the Lord. Now, the spirit of God that they saw so clearly in Jesus is passed on to them. He breathes on them, and they receive the Holy Spirit. John wants us to remember the words he spoke at the end of chapter one, “He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.”
Having received the Holy Spirit, Jesus breathes that same Spirit upon the disciples charged with bringing the good news to all the world. Although Jesus has died and soon will ascend, he remains with the disciples through word, breath, bread, water, wine, prayer, and passion. God abides with the disciples and remains with them even when they are in despair and hopelessness and joins with them in their rejoicing and celebration.
This same Spirit remains with us today. Lutherans are sometimes accused of ignoring the third expression of the Trinity because we do not have traditions like altar calls, speaking in tongues, or ecstatic prayer. But such accusations have too small a vision for the work of the Spirit and the infinite gifts she brings. Lutheran theology is pregnant with Spirit! Baptism, communion, and many other practices have the work of the Spirit at their core both theologically and practically. We call upon the Spirit as we pour water thrice on the head of those we baptize. Later we will lay hands and invoke the Spirit on those seeking Affirmation of Baptism (Confirmation). Wine and bread are seasoned with the Spirit’s presence in communion, and at the end of our lives we commit our spirit to the one who creates all things.
But our spirituality is not limited to corporate worship. We teach God’s grace, love, enlightenment, and holy presence for each person in every moment. When Jesus says “Receive the Holy Spirit” to his disciples, he also is saying it to us, and to all who will follow us. But there is no magic here. Jesus sends his disciples out into the world to teach, preach, baptize, and live the Good News. Had they not told the story again and again, perhaps the good news might have become little more than yesterday’s news. For the world cannot hear the story of Jesus, or about the grace of God, or come to recognize what God is up to in the world without story tellers. And story tellers cannot tell a story they neither know nor experience. That is why tending to our spirituality and infleshing it in community service, care for those in need, bringing justice for all regardless of skin color, nationality, or sexual preference is so important. The story of Jesus—and of God’s abiding presence—is a story best told by how we live, love, and serve in the places where we are.
As Christian people, we also need the occasional reminder that we are the story tellers and, in some ways, the story being told. So we gather to pray, sing, eat, laugh, cry, learn, teach, or simply rest in silence so we can hear the story for ourselves again and again. The story of God who whispers “you are my child, my beloved…receive the Holy Spirit” and we are changed.
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: | Barry Wenger |
| 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 |
Healing a Broken World: Renewing Community
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined.—Isaiah 9:2
In January we explored spiritual health and wellbeing during the adult forum on Sunday mornings. We hope that those of you who participated found the discussions enlightening.
This month, we will focus on Renewing Community. Many of us are still struggling with the isolation and darkness the pandemic thrust upon us. Even living in Hawai‘i, we experience the winter blues. Though the days are warm, leaving for work before sunrise and driving home in darkness can create a sense of isolation and emptiness.
A childhood friend recently shared with me how difficult the time between New Year’s and Easter is for her. The excitement builds between Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is a time filled with all sorts of distractions and preparations: food, family, gatherings with friends. Then you pack away Christmas—the tree, the decorations, the cards etc.—and just as everything goes back to normal, the days begin to drag and darkness soon becomes her reality.
Then she read about hygge (hoo-guh), a Danish concept of creating warmth, connection, and wellbeing. Hygge is calm, comfortable time with people you love, a complete absence of any frustrations or anything emotionally overwhelming that is often enjoyed with good food or drinks and candlelight. While there isn’t an English word to embrace this feeling, coziness is often suggested. However, I like hugga, a 16th-century Norwegian term meaning to console or to comfort or in English a hug. Who doesn’t like a hug?
Her mother was the Ultimate Hygge-er, welcoming friends and family with a cup of coffee, soft lights, and her friendship as she visited about anything and everything. Now, my friend honors her mother and hygge by decorating with evergreen boughs and candles, enjoying life’s simple pleasures, and making the ordinary more meaningful and special.
I worried about adapting to Wyoming winters after 35 years of Hawaiian sunshine. So, I took my friend’s advice. While days are still short, I enjoy watching the sunrise and the sunset while savoring a hot cup of tea. I relearned to love candle light, wool socks, sweaters, throws/comforters, warm fuzzy slippers, and the joy of sitting in the sunshine as it streams through my window. And yes, I still have my nativity set up—after all it is still the season after Epiphany.
How do we renew community? We start by creating a welcoming environment filled with warmth, connection, gratitude, and wellbeing. I am grateful that LCH remains a source of light, comfort, peace, and ‘ohana for me. While I miss the fellowship, I am grateful that I can worship online. It was wonderful to receive Christmas cards from many of you, to feel connected to those who meant so much to Brent and me over the years.
The stewardship team wants to sustain our connections with friends who may not be able to join us for worship or any of the many other activities at LCH. Watch for cards to sign in the courtyard on Sunday mornings. If you enjoy writing short notes to friends (and are willing to help us send out cards), please let a member of the stewardship team know. If you haven’t seen someone in a while, please take a moment to reach out to them with a phone call or text or send a note. It may just shine some light on their day and yours.
Pam Buckley for the Stewardship Team
Pam Buckley, Willow Chang, Walter Cummings, Phyllis Hörmann, Barbara Poole-Street, Cindy Scheinert
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, February 2, 9, 16, and 23, 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 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!
- 2/5—Parable of the Sower
- 2/12—St. Valentine object box
- 2/19—Types of Prayer
- 2/26—The Mystery of Easter
Adult Forum
Sundays at 9:00 am • In-person in the Boardroom or Via Zoom Meeting
On February 5 and 12, Adult Forum will be discussing that most difficult of Jesus’ commandments: “Love thy enemy.” Please join us Sundays at 9:00 am in the Boardroom (or via Zoom) as we question what Jesus meant and whether we are abiding by his commandment.
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, February 5, 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.
First Mondays Concert: Dr. Barry J. Wenger plays the von Beckerath
Monday, February 6, 7:00 pm • In-person only
Join Dr. Barry J. Wenger at the Lutheran Church of Honolulu, 1730 Punahou St., for the First Mondays Concert on February 6, at 7:00 pm. Dr. Wenger will present music over the centuries with pieces by J.S. Bach, Louis-Claude Daquin, W.A. Mozart, and contemporary composers including Craig Phillips, Eleanor Daley, and Aaron David Miller. Come enjoy a “tour” of organ music on the wonderful von Beckerath organ.
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, February 7, 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 Game Night
Saturday, February 11, at 6:00 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 February 5 to those who are already on the Mary Magdalene mailing list, detailing the RSVP procedure. If you don’t receive your invitation, have questions, or want to be added to the mailing list, please contact Bill Potter, group facilitator, at bill.potter808@gmail.com.
Confirmation Classes
Sundays, February 12 and 26, 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.
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.
Compline
Sunday, February 19, at 7:30 pm • In-person and Via Livestream Broadcast
We warmly invite all people in all places of faith and life to Compline. Normally offered on the first and third Sundays of each month, we are only able to have Compline on the third Sunday in February. Thishis 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 President’s Day
Monday, February 20
LCH Women’s Book Club
Monday, February 20, at 10:00 am • In-Person at the Murashige’s Home
LCH Women’s Book Club will meet on Monday, February 20, 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, February 21, 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.
Ash Wednesday Worship
Wednesday, February 22 + 7:30 pm + in the Nave
The season of Lent begins with a very special worship on Ash Wednesday. This beautiful evening service begins the Lenten season of reflection, prayer, and preparation as we hear the words from Genesis 3:19, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Ashes, a sign of mourning and repentance, are placed on our foreheads as a reminder of our mortality, but the ashes are in the shape of a cross, a sign of promise, and life, and hope. Ash Wednesday—and the whole season of Lent—calls us to reflect and remember the precious gift of life and love that God has given us in creation and community and to re-center our thoughts and spirit on what truly matters. As we gather around the communion table in worship on Ash Wednesday, we see our neighbor with the same smudged cross on her head, recall that our mortality is joined to hers forever in Christ, and remember that together we share the joy of life with all of God’s world.
Seeking Volunteers and Donations for ONE POT, ONE HOPE
Saturday, February 25, 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. Please consider participating by joining the volunteers, at the next meet-up.
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, February 25, 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.
Lenten Wednesdays: Healing a Broken World
Join us mid-week during Lent as we share Holden Evening Prayer. The sung prayer service begins at 7:00 pm preceded by a soup-and-salad supper at 6:00 pm in the church courtyard. This year’s Lenten theme will follow the Stewardship theme for the year: Healing a Broken World. Each week will have a focus on this theme. The schedule is:
- March1: Loneliness
- March 8: Injustice
- March 15: Violence
- March 22: Hopelessness, Despair
- March 29: Dis-ease
All are welcomed and encouraged to share this intimate prayer service and supper with us as we journey, in brokenness and healing, through the Lenten season.
Lenten Soup and Salad Suppers
Wednesdays, March 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, at 6:00 pm • in the Hörmann Courtyard
Please join in this wonderful time of fellowship and prayer, beginning each Wednesday of Lent with a simple soup and salad supper. Suppers are served at 6:00 pm, prior to 7:00 pm Lenten services in the nave. A sign-up sheet will be available in the courtyard for contributions to each week’s meal and for help with set-up and clean-up. See Mary Jo Estes or call the LCH office for more information.
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!
Edward Shipwright Memorial Piano Fund
The church has an ongoing need for maintenance of our current piano, which is on generous loan from Mark Wong. We also need to plan for eventual purchase of an excellent, permanent piano for LCH.
Therefore, we have established the Edward Shipwright Memorial Piano Fund. Dr. Shipwright was the head of the piano division of the Music Department at UH Mānoa. Many people associated with LCH were students or friends of Ed. The fund will be a fitting memorial to his 50 years of teaching and playing.
HeartBeat Deadline
Tuesday, February 21, 9:00 am
Aubrey A., Chuck H. and Nan W., Colleen K., Diane B., Fay M., Harold W., Intae K., Jenny P., friends and family of John David S., Jamie W. and his family, Karen and Kerstin, Karen and Richard E., Kim B., Lissa G., Lori W., Michael, Mike M., Miriam S., Samantha C., Steve, Steven J. and family, Sweetie K., 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.
