In this issue:
- A Message from Pastor Jeff
- LCH Council News
- LCH Office Hours
- Stewardship Corner
- Committee/Interest Group Chairs
- Angel Network In-Gathering
- Leadership Roundtable
- Book of Faith Bible Study
- Restorative Yoga
- Godly Play News
- Adult Forum
- Virtual Coffee Talk with Pastor Jeff
- Summer Jazz Journey 2023
- Karol’s Karolers Madrigal Festival
- Mary Magdalene Society Potluck and Game Night
- Writers’ Workshop
- Punahou Academy School Term Parking Begins
- IHS Brown Bag Meal Prep
- LCH Office closed August 18
- LCH Women’s Book Club
- Seeking Volunteers and Donations for ONE POT, ONE HOPE
- No Food for Thought in August
- Regular Offerings
- Edward Shipwright Memorial Piano Fund
- HeartBeat Deadline
- Electronic Funds Transfers for June
- Attendance and Offerings for July
- Prayer Requests
- August Birthdays
- Calendar: August 2023
From Pastor Jeff
The Work of the Spirit
One of the weaknesses of organized religion can be the temptation to focus on the organization more than mission. All of us have heard stories of congregations being crushed under the weight of beautiful and expansive campuses, hefty debt, or un-responsiveness to a changing world or a changing neighborhood. Over time, congregations can become so obsessed with being successful, that they can lose sight of their core mission of proclaiming Christ in word and deed.
Another danger of organized religion is the temptation to power. Luther saw this in his own day and warned that princes should not be appointed as bishops because they would have power over both body and soul—an untenable temptation to abuse. Although he was largely ignored, the abuses of power by the church from Luther’s time into the present are well-documented. We are seeing a modern twist on the abuses of religion in a resurgence of Christian nationalism here in the U.S. Proponents suggest—wrongly—that the United States was founded by Christians for Christians. The fact that history shows this to be false doesn’t seem to matter much to them. They seek to impose a so-called Christian agenda on every aspect of U.S. governance. Apparently, they missed the whole first amendment of the U.S constitution. In a statement by national religious leaders signed by Elizabeth Eaton, the presiding bishop of the ELCA, the signers write:
Christian nationalism seeks to merge Christian and American identities, distorting both the Christian faith and America’s constitutional democracy. Christian nationalism demands Christianity be privileged by the State and implies that to be a good American, one must be Christian. It often overlaps with and provides cover for white supremacy and racial subjugation. We reject this damaging political ideology and invite our Christian brothers and sisters to join us in opposing this threat to our faith and to our nation. (full statement)
Perhaps one way we can begin to oppose such political ideology is to listen more clearly and more intently to the Spirit and engage in those ministries to which the Spirit is leading us. It is too easy to get so caught up in being the church that we forget to be church-for each other, for our community, and for the world. When our mission is turned outward to the margins, we challenge the increasingly prominent idea that only those at the center of power and wealth actually matter. I’m pretty sure that occupied a fair amount of Jesus’ time after all.
We will be gathering in the next few months to listen together for the Spirit’s call in our ministry. I am working with the council to create opportunities to share a time of prayer, play, and discernment. We are hoping to hone our mission statement, listen for the prompting of the spirit, and engage in conversation with our community about what God is already dong, and how we can be a part of it.
As a kickstart, the Lutheran Church of Honolulu congregational council met in retreat in June to identify five focused ministry emphases for the next six to eight months. These are interim ideas while we work as a congregation to see how God is shaping our mission.
- Expand outreach to our immediate neighbors and neighborhood.
- Expand outreach to the LGBTQ+ community, especially youth and young adults.
- Nurture spirituality through faith and arts.
- Launch a history documentation project for the 125th Anniversary of the church.
- Focus on leadership development for mission (e.g., fellowship and education).
I am looking forward to working with the congregation as we expand our mission in response to God’s deep and abiding call for justice, mercy, and love.
Humbly,
Pastor Jeff
LCH Council News
Aloha,
Following an LCH Council retreat, we’ve been prayerfully considering mission objectives. At service on Sunday, August 13, we plan to get congregational input on these objectives. Please be prepared to tell us what you think. We hope one or more of the following objectives resonates with each of you and you’ll be willing to serve as a leader or volunteer.
Mission Objectives:
- Enhance our outreach to our immediate neighbors and neighborhood.
- Expand outreach to the LGBTQ+ community, especially to youth.
- Nurture spirituality through faith and arts.
- Launch a history documentation project (video, press bound volume, audio, etc.) for the 125th anniversary of LCH.
- Focus on leadership development for mission (e.g., fellowship, education).
Please pray about these proposed goals for our spiritual growth together and for the people around us who may be looking for a church home. Also, please mark your calendars for an LCH Thanksgiving Potluck, followed by the first-half of our annual congregational meeting. At that time, we’ll elect new council members and present a draft budget for 2024.
God’s peace,
Dan
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 |
Growing into Financial Health
Over the past year, the Stewardship Team has focused on “Healing a Broken World,” breaking that broad topic into several pieces that were focused on separately during the year: Spiritual Health and Wellbeing, Renewing Community, Healing of Creation and the Environment, and Recovering from Trauma. During this time period, we have planted trees, reached out to distant members of our ‘ohana, shared inspirational messages, and have had speakers come in to deepen our understanding. Working to heal our broken world is part of living into our responsibilities as Stewards of our God-given gifts.
Our wealth is a gift God has entrusted us with, and we are called to manage it faithfully. However, covid, inflation, and other economic disruptions have made our finances precarious for some of us, and new developments such as cryptocurrencies, reverse mortgages, and electronic payments have made the task of managing our finances more complicated for us all. Additionally, the demands of managing our finances change as we move through the different stages of our lives. In spite of all of this, we have a lifelong obligation to be good stewards of that which we have been given—managing faithfully, practicing generosity, and believing in God’s abundance. This will be the stewardship focus for August and September.
Beginning in August, the Stewardship Team will offer a series of classes on Saturday morning exploring our personal relationship with wealth and how we manage it. For the first class on August 19, we will discuss how the Christian faith invites us to approach wealth with a different mindset than is commonly held in our society. In preparation for the second class, we will ask each of the participant to write a “financial autobiography” to privately examine their personal attitudes and experiences with money, and in class we will discuss together how we have been living our responsibilities as stewards. Through this exercise, participants will identify areas in which we have questions about managing our resources, and those topics will be addressed in succeeding class sessions.
In the remaining class sessions, Bill Potter and I will be prepared to work with participants on the financial issues responsibilities faced in each of the four life stages: Young Adult (newly facing financial responsibilities), Established Adult (juggling responsibilities of family and career), Mature Adult (facing needs of family and retirement planning), and Seniors (facing needs of income protection and distribution of wealth). Because participants will undoubtedly come to the class with different experiences and interests, we will decide the specific topics for each of the following sessions as a group on August 26. We’ll focus on topics participants want to work on and skip topics that they are already comfortable with. Given the personal nature of our financial situations, we ask that all participants commit to the confidentiality of the spiritual and financial issues and situations that arise in discussion throughout the series.
We hope you will join Bill and me for these sessions The first meeting will be August 19, from 10:00 to 11:30 am, and the series will continue Saturday mornings through mid to late September (depending on the number of topics participants find relevant). We are planning this to be primarily an in-person program, but it will be available over Zoom upon request. We do ask participants to register by August 16 so we know how many to expect. You may sign-up at church the first two Sundays in August or by contacting the church office (lch@lchwelcome.org or 808-941-2566).
Barbara Poole-Street 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.
Leadership Roundtable
Tuesday, August 15, 6:30 pm • Via Zoom Meeting New Date
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 Zoom 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, August 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31, at 6:00 pm • Via Zoom Meeting
Explore the restorative and ancient practice of yoga, led by LCH member Willow Chang. As a yoga practitioner for over 30 years, Willow shares the joy, wonder, and enthusiasm of a beginner. She emphasizes the origins, cultural context, and safe practice of yoga for all. In this 4-week session, she’ll share various aspects of yoga, from pranayama (breathing exercises) and yogic philosophy (ahimsa), to poses, referred to as asanas.
Join for one, two, or all four sessions from the safety of your own shelter-in-place. These unique classes also provide an opportunity to answer your questions about yoga practice and form. You don’t need yoga pants, previous experience, youth, flexibility, or any real-life experience in India to learn about yoga. Bring your amazing self to be in wonder of your abilities! Please contact Willow Chang (willowchang@hotmail.com) to be included in the weekly Zoom meeting invitation. Let’s learn and find a new center, together!
Godly Play News
During the summer there is no Godly Play Sunday school. Starting again September 3, LCH will offer Godly Play Sunday school for children from kindergarten through 5th grade. All are welcome!
Sign up for next year’s Godly Play Sunday school on Rally Sunday, August 27. In the meantime, have a great summer!
Adult Forum
Sundays at 9:00 am • In-person in the Boardroom or Via Zoom Meeting
For the first two weeks of August, Marsha Schweitzer will continue her discussion on “Not-so-good Do-Gooders.” This follows up on the previous weeks’ discussion on self-care and wellness – doing good for yourself – which leads to, as Buddhist author Norman Fischer calls it, “lazy self-defense.” This discussion will be challenging but also surprisingly liberating!
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, August 6, 11:30 am • Via Zoom Meeting
Virtual Coffee Hour will be held at 11:30 am on the first Sunday of each month instead of weekly. Hope you can join us!
You are invited to join with your LCH ‘ohana on the first Sundays for a virtual coffee talk following online worship. This discussion time will be via Zoom Meeting, and will run for approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
In order to avoid “Zoom bombing” (surprise visits from unsavory folks), you will need to contact Pastor Jeff, via email at pr.jeff@LCHwelcome.org, for a meeting number and password to log into the meeting. While these are not ideal gathering circumstances, we can at least enjoy a chance to commune together briefly.
Summer Jazz Journey 2023
We hope everyone has enjoyed our first two concerts with some of Honolulu’s finest jazz musicians. Don’t miss the last concert of the series. The concert is scheduled for 7:00 pm in the Nave, and all are invited to gather for pūpū and conversation before the concert at 6:15 pm in the Hörmann Courtyard. The concert is free, with a suggested donation of $20.
DeShannon Higa and Quadpod (August 8 • 7:00 pm)—Royal Hawaiian Band Member DeShannon Higa is also a bandleader and visionary. He has assembled and is currently performing with two bands of his own creation. He will share the sultry sounds of his trumpet along with his ensemble, Quadpod. This neo-bop quartet will be joined by a special guest on vocals. DeShannon’s styles of music range from jazz to Latin/salsa to modern electronica and hip hop. He resides in Honolulu with his wife, former Broadway performer, from the original cast of Miss Saigon, Rocky Brown, with whom he also performs.
Mary Magdalene Society Potluck and Game Night
Saturday, August 12, 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 and be fully-vaccinated. With the continued decline in covid cases, the group has decided that masks are optional.
An email will be sent around August 6 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.
Writers’ Workshop
Tuesday, August 15, at 4:30 pm • Via Zoom Meeting
Writers’ Workshop will continue to meet via Zoom meeting. All are welcome! If you would like to participate, please contact Peter Flachsbart at pflachsbart@gmail.com for information on how to connect remotely.
Punahou Academy Spring Term Parking
Monday–Friday, beginning August 16 • Church Lot & Poki Lot
The Punahou Academy spring semester begins Wednesday, August 16. 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 fall and spring semesters. 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 29, 2024.
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 29, 2024. 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.
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.
LCH Office Closed Friday, August 18
in observance of Hawaii Statehood DayLCH Women’s Book Club
Monday, August 21, at 10:00 am • In-Person at the Murashige’s Home and Via Zoom
LCH Women’s Book Club will meet on Monday, August 21, at the Murashige’s home. We will also be on Zoom for those who prefer to maintain distance. The Book Club is having a Poetry Day, each person sharing one or two poems that have special meaning in their lives. Please come and join us for a fun morning.
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, August 21, 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 Billie Jean Reis or Linda Muller with any questions. Mahalo for assisting with this mission to provide meals to our neighbors.
Food for Thought
Food for thought will not meet during August. The date for our next meeting will be included in the September HeartBeat.
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, August 15, 9:00 am
Brenda Sue C., Chuck H. and Nan W., Colleen K., Diane B., Elaine, Greg G., 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., Keith W., Kim B., Lissa G., Lori W., Michael, Mike M., Miriam S., the family of Ruth S., Samantha C., Salina R., Star W., 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.
