In this issue:
- Summer Jazz Journey: Jazz Manouche
- Still Time to Join an ‘Ohana Gathering
- From Pastor Jeff
- LCH Office Hours
- Stewardship Corner
- Committee/Interest Group Chairs
- Angel Network In-Gathering
- Book of Faith Bible Study
- Restorative Yoga
- All Ages Sunday School
- Adult Forum
- Virtual Coffee Talk
- Leadership Roundtable
- Game Day
- Save A Life!
- Punahou Academy School Term Parking Begins
- IHS Sandwich Making
- LCH OFFICE CLOSED for Hawai‘i Statehood Day
- Mary Magdalene Society Potluck and Game Night
- Women’s Book Club Becomes “A Circle of Friends”
- Writers’ Workshop
- Seeking Volunteers & Donations for One Pot, One Hope
- Food for Thought
- Thanks to All Who Helped with the Work Day
- Faith and Arts Weekend, September 28–29
- Regular Offerings
- HeartBeat Deadline
- Electronic Funds Transfers for June
- Attendance and Offerings for July
- Prayer Requests
- August Birthdays
- Calendar: August 2024
Summer Jazz Journey: Jazz Manouche
Sunday, August 4, at 7:00 pm
Come listen to violinist Duane Padilla and guitarists Sonny Silva and Joe Zyac pay tribute to Stéphane Grapelli and “Django” Reinhardt’s backstage experiments at the Hotel Claridge in Paris in 1934 by performing their favorite tunes from the iconic Quintette du Hot Club de France. Joined by Bobby Igano on lap steel guitar, this group will bring their unique “Hot Club of Hulaville” experience to this event!
The evening begins with pūpū in the courtyard at 6:15. The concert is free, and donations are welcome.
Still Time to Join an ‘Ohana Gathering
There are still a number of chances to participate in one of our ‘Ohana Gatherings in preparation for the 125th anniversary of the Lutheran Church of Honolulu in September of 2025. These gatherings mark the first steps on our journey to identify the missional project(s) for the 125th anniversary that it will support through fundraising with a goal of $65,000.
‘Ohana Gatherings are being held in the homes of members and friends at various dates, times and locations around O‘ahu and provide opportunities for LCH members and friends to gather to:
- build, renew and strengthen relationships,
- provide mutual support for the proclamation of the Gospel in daily life, and
- engage in deep, meaningful conversation about the vision, mission, and ministry of our church that God is calling us to in the next 2–3 years.
Everyone associated with this community of faith is encouraged to sign up for and attend one of these small groups of 6–8 people. At each one, a facilitator will shepherd the process and a secretary will capture notes and key elements sparked by the conversation.
Afterwards, ‘Ohana Gathering leaders will meet with Pr. Jeff, Pr. Margrethe, and Council President Olivia Castro to synthesize the conversations. They will bring the results to the congregation and Council for decision making on the 125th anniversary mission project(s) and priorities for the following 2–3 years.
Below is a list of the gatherings scheduled for August. A sign-up sheet will be available after church on Sundays. You may also sign up by contacting Olivia Castro via email at ocastro808@gmail.com.
- August 3 @ 10:00 am at Margrethe and Tony Kleiber’s home, Mililani
- August 11 @ 3:00 pm at Rich and Nikki Mundell’s home, Kaimukī (for Youth and Young Adults)
- August 24 @ 3:00 pm (tentative depending association approval) at Carolyn Koehler’s home, Waipi‘o Gentry
- August 25 @ 5:00 pm at Mary Fastenau’s and John Flanagan’s home, Hawai‘i Kai (fully subscribed)
- August 31 @ 4:00 pm at Maria Au Hoy’s home, McCully
From Pastor Jeff
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”—John 14:27
Many of the conversations I am having with parishioners, friends, and colleagues keep coming back to the same common theme—fear. The fear we are talking about is not so much the kind of rational fear built into our psyche that keeps us safe from real danger or the kind of fear that helps us avoid death in dangerous situations. This fear is more of a pervasive feeling of constant dread that seems to wash over many parts of our lives. We’ve all heard the phrase “waiting for the other shoe to drop.” This fear is like that, but instead of a shoe, we are waiting for the proverbial anvil to drop on our heads like Wile E. Coyote in the old cartoons. It is non-specific, but persistent; It is fear that influences us every day, but can’t necessarily be pinpointed. It is fear that can at times leave us exhausted even though we are always aware of it or understand it. In the end, we don’t “get” the fear, but it certainly seems to be getting to us.
In a way, it’s no real surprise that so many of us are afflicted by fear. We are figuratively bathing in it every day. A while ago, I wrote about how commercials on televisions are designed to elicit fear at nearly every level. Years ago, you would have never seen prescription medications advertised on television. These days, a large percentage of ads are touting medications to address nearly any real or imagined ailment that might come along. Coupled with advertisements promising products to make us look younger, feel more confident, or boost our energy, these ads promise a cure for everything. Feeling fat? Take a weight loss drug. Feeling down? We have a pill for that. Low energy? Here’s a supplement. Spouse not noticing you? Try this! It’s not the commercials themselves that worry me; it is the not-so subtle messages that we are not quite right, not really beautiful enough, looking a liiiitttle too old for our spouse to be attracted to us and that there might be a hidden ailment just waiting to snatch everything away from us like a thief in the night. The constant barrage chips away at God’s declaration that we are “wonderfully and beautifully made.”
Political ads are no different. This election cycle is all about playing on fear. Outright lies and artless innuendo stoke fears in white males that their “God-given” superiority is under attack by hoards of interlopers streaming into the country. That freedom for women somehow translates into slavery for males. That LGBTQ+ people are of the devil and must be stamped out. Not only should we be afraid, but that salvation is somehow linked to some political or moral ideology. Both major political parties accuse the other of wanting to “end democracy” in the U.S. And lastly (but not exhaustively), “alternative facts” have become a staple in political ads, regardless of party, resulting in a waterfall of lies and misinformation that throws fuel on an ever-growing fire of divisiveness. But they do agree about one thing: everyone should be afraid.
O.K. So the politicians and advertisers have done a great job of pedaling fear. We bought it. We wallow in it. So now what? The movers and shakers invoke fear to move people away from rational thought toward irrational action. Sometimes the fear they pedal makes us feel alone and vulnerable, and that makes us more willing to follow whatever path they might be steering for us. Perhaps that is what the author John is thinking about when he quotes Jesus “I do not give to you as the world gives.” Jesus is comforting his disciples as he tells them once again that the world does not have power over them, they are not alone, and he will not be with them forever. Perhaps there is comfort for us there as well. Jesus will not let fear rule. Instead, he reminds his disciples (and us) that God is with them in the midst of turmoil, joy, life, and death—all that life throws at us. What Jesus bestows on us is not more fear, moral angst, anger, or divisiveness. Instead, Jesus calls us to be “rooted and grounded in love” (Ephesians 3:17). From that love flows the courage to take on the lies of the world that try to convince us that we are not quite good enough, or the wrong color, or wrong sexuality, or too old or ugly to matter. From that rootedness and grounding in love, we have the courage to stand together and lift our hands and voices against the voices of hatred and declare to the world “You are beautifully and wonderfully made.” For all our warts and insecurities, our injustices and inequities, we are not fatally flawed people awaiting the ministrations of some political or moral savior. We already belong to God, who is at work in us, drawing us into community guided by the Spirit for the good of the whole cosmos. In Christ, we see the world through eyes of infinite and unlimited love. While fear leads to death, Jesus is life, and life more abundant.
This may seem like a simplistic and precious response to the complexity of fear. Perhaps it is. But faith draws us deeper in to love, and the deeper we dive into love, the less control fear has over us. The more clearly we hear Jesus saying “do not be afraid,” the less we can make out the voices calling us to be afraid and the less likely we will fall to its siren call. The more we draw together with all the diversity of creation, in our joy and our sorrow, in our wonderfully created shortcomings and self-doubt, the better our world will fare for everyone. “Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”
Pastor 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
We 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: | Olivia Castro |
Hospitality: | Jeanne Castello |
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 |
Connecting with Our Neighbors
As we continue our journey towards wholeness, this August we begin a two-month focus on reaching out to the community that surrounds LCH and welcoming the neighbor. So, as we begin the next leg of this journey, questions arose for me: How are we already connecting with our neighbors? What else is God calling us to do? How might we connect with our neighbors and build a stronger sense of community?
I first want to begin by giving thanks for what I already see happening. I see various members welcome visitors/guests, greeting them with hand-woven lei, engaging them in conversation before worship and during coffee hour, and helping them navigate worship when it seems they might be lost. In addition, I give thanks for our music ministry, which brings not only our immediate neighbors but also those farther away to this place we call LCH. They’re enriched by the music in worship, the varied and beautiful concerts throughout the year, the pūpū people provide for these concerts, the conversation that happens, and the artfully designed bulletin boards around the courtyard which bear information and beautiful pictures that tell about current activities of the church.
The LCH campus gets much use. Some neighborhood condo boards meet in our boardroom. Music lessons happen. AA groups meet in Isenberg. Music groups practice and perform in our nave. It is becoming a real “gathering place,” and I find that exciting!
Remember the Free Store we held in 2022? It was such a success that we are planning to offer another on September 21st for our community’s benefit. The recently-introduced concept of a “gift economy,” in which goods and services are freely exchanged with no payment or promises to pay, is something of a revival of the early Christian communal economic arrangements. It provides benefits for our environment, for people shedding unwanted/no-longer-needed/still-useable “stuff,” and for those receiving items they need.
We wanted to encourage you to begin saving items to contribute, which you are invited to bring in the morning of the sale. More detailed information will be forthcoming, in the next HeartBeat. There is also a plan afoot to enhance this event with other activities on campus like food offerings, games for children, or who knows what else. Maybe you would be interested in helping plan the community event or assisting on September 21 with the Free Store itself. If so, talk with Pr. Jeff about helping with the community event or Barbara Poole-Street for the free store.
The ‘Ohana Gatherings, coordinated by council, started last month and continue through August. These gatherings, I imagine, may generate ideas on how to expand outreach to our neighbors. And, they may also shed light on new directions towards which God may be calling us.
I am grateful for the community of LCH, and I look forward to the journey ahead as we continue to heal, grow, and build an even better connection with our neighbors.
Phyllis Hörmann for the Stewardship Team
Pam Buckley, Willow Chang, Phyllis Hormann, Barbara Poole-Street, Bill Potter, and 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 am • In-person and Via 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 Cathy Baptista at cathynt@gmail.com to receive an invitation to the next Zoom Bible study discussion.
Restorative Yoga
Thursdays, July 11, 18, and 25, 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 by sharing aspects of yoga, from pranayama (breathing exercises) and yogic philosophy (ahimsa), to poses, referred to as asanas.
Join for one, two, or all sessions from the safety of your own shelter-in-place. These unique classes also provide an opportunity to answer your questions about yoga practice and form. You don’t need yoga pants, previous experience, youth, flexibility, or any real-life experience in India to learn about yoga. Bring your amazing self to be in wonder of your abilities! Please contact Willow Chang (willowchang@hotmail.com) to be included in the weekly Zoom meeting invitation. Let’s learn and find a new center, together!
All Ages Sunday School
During the summer there is no Sunday school. Look for information later in the summer about what shape Sunday school will take in the fall.
Adult Forum
Sundays at 9:00 am • In-person in the Boardroom
The first week in August, Peter Flachsbart and Fred Benco will lead a discussion of various ethical issues. After that, Carol Langner will make four presentations regarding her wonderful bulletin boards.
Please join us for these inspiring films and lively discussions. All are welcome. If you are coming for worship, just get your coffee and head to the Boardroom at 9:00 to join the others who are there.
Virtual Coffee Talk
Sunday, August 4, 11:30 am • Via Zoom Meeting
Virtual Coffee Hour will be held at 11:30 am on the first Sunday of each month. Hope you can join us! You are invited to join with your LCH ‘ohana on the first Sunday 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 Cathy Baptista via email at cathynt@gmail.com 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.
Leadership Roundtable
Tuesday, August 6, 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 with login information. Please be prepared to share a little information on your activities with the group. Mahalo!
Game Day
Wednesday, August 7, at 1:00 pm in Isenberg Hall
Please join Paula Wheeler for GameDay on Wednesday, July 3, from 1:00 to 3:00 in the Boardroom. We will meet for lively conversation and some fun games. If you have any questions or suggestions call Paula at 808-542-2843.
Save A Life!
A few months ago, LCH installed an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) inside the Nave near the entrance. You are cordially invited to a training session to learn how to operate the AED in case of an emergency on Saturday, August 10, 2:30 pm in Isenberg Hall. The training will be conducted by AED Institute of Hawai‘i.
Countless lives have been saved through AED use ever since it was made available for public use many years ago. It is important that we have as many people as possible trained in the use of the AED so that we have the best chance of being able to help someone in trouble. It is especially important for those of us on regular rotation as ushers, readers, video crew, and worship assistants to be trained.
Please sign up this Sunday after church or email pastor Jeff at pr.jeff@lchwelcome.org if you would like to participate in the training.
Punahou Academy School Term Parking Begins
Monday–Friday, beginning August 14 • Church and Poki Lot
The Punahou Academy fall semester begins Wednesday, August 14. Student parking begins in the LCH Poki Street and church parking lots on that date. There are ten spaces reserved for Punahou students in the church parking 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, 2025.
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, 2025. 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. Please be aware that cars parked in the church lot after 10:00 pm will be towed at the owner’s expense.
Faithful volunteers prepating meals at Maluhia Lutheran Church for the One Pot, One Hope meal ministry.
IHS Sandwich Making
Thursday, July 18, 12:00–2:00 pm • Isenberg Hall
LCHers will again convene to prepare sandwiches and pack sack lunches for distribution at Institution for Human Services (IHS). This continues a tradition stretching back decades. We meet monthly and could use a few new, dependable volunteers to join our dedicated group. Please join us. Mahalo!
If you would like to participate in this action-packed, fun activity, please let Brenda know at lch@LCHwelcome.org. She will pass your contact info on to event organizers.
LCH OFFICE CLOSED Friday, August 16
In observance of Hawai‘i Statehood Day
Mary Magdalene Society Potluck and Game Night
Saturday, August 17, 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.
An email will be sent on August 11 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.
Women’s Book Club Becomes “A Circle of Friends”
Monday, August 19 at 10:00 am • In-Person at the Murashige’s Home and Via Zoom
The LCH Women’s Book Club has a new look. We’re changing our name to A Circle of Friends, and we are no longer going to emphasize books. We will continue to meet on the third Monday of each month at the Murashiges, sometimes at 10.00 am, or maybe for lunch, or for an afternoon movie. Our discussions and sharing will focus on whatever we like. If this sounds good to you, please join us.
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
Monday, August 19, 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. Mahalo!
Seeking Volunteers & Donations for One Pot, One Hope
Saturday, June 29, 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 be meeting in the month of August. We will reconvene in September.
Thanks to All Who Helped with the Work Day
Faith and Arts Weekend, September 28–29
In September, LCH will celebrate Faith and Arts Weekend. We plan to showcase a variety of entertainment on Saturday evening, September 28 followed by an exhibit of creative work from the congregation on Sunday morning, September 29. If the spirit moves you, please tell us what you would like to do for the Saturday evening performance. We would like to display your art, photography, written work, or craft items after the service in Issenberg Hall on Sunday morning. If possible, we will post your poem or short essay on the bulletin board in the Hörmann courtyard. Here is what we need from you:
- As soon as possible: Express your interest to participate in this event by contacting us in-person, or by phone, text or email. Our contact information is shown below.
- By September 22: Tell us what you would like to perform on Saturday, September 28 and/or give us a description of your creative item(s) so that we can make labels for the exhibit on September 29. If you wish to type a longer explanation of your work for the exhibit, please do so when you deliver your items to LCH.
- By 5:00 pm on September 27: Deliver your creative item(s) to LCH where they will be held in a safe place until they are displayed on Sunday, September 29. Otherwise give your items directly to us at any time between now and September 28.
Coordinators: Please contact Willow Chang by phone (808-292-0820) or email (willowchang@hotmail.com) or Peter Flachsbart by phone (808-349-6046) or email (pflachsbart@gmail.com) to say “Yes” to this marvelous opportunity and get answers to your questions.
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!
HeartBeat Deadline
Tuesday, August 20, 9:00 am
Alex M., Betty H., Chuck H. and Nan W., Chuck P. and Josie B., the family of Colleen K., Don J., Elaine, George T., Geneva J. and family, Greg G., Harold W., Irene M., Jane H., Mabel D., Michael, Miriam S., Peggy A., the family of Ruth S., Salina R., Star W., Yvonne and Andy M.
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.
08/03 | Elizabeth Pearson | |
08/05 | Nedra Walker | |
08/13 | Alexa Sueda | |
08/18 | Jean-Paul Klingebiel | |
08/19 | Maseeh Ganjali | |
08/24 | Amanda Lippert | |
08/26 | Marsha Schweitzer | |
08/29 | Kristin S. | |