In this issue:
- First Mondays Concert Series: Summer’s Last Serenade
- LCH Free Store
- Faith and Arts Weekend
- From Pastor Jeff
- LCH Office Hours
- Stewardship Corner
- Committee/Interest Group Chairs
- Angel Network In-Gathering
- Give Aloha Returns September 1!
- Training for Worship Assistants
- Adult Forum
- Virtual Coffee Talk
- LCH OFFICE CLOSED for Labor Day
- Leadership Roundtable
- Game Day
- Book of Faith Bible Study
- Restorative Yoga
- Confirmation Classes
- Compline
- Writers’ Workshop
- IHS Sandwich Making
- Mary Magdalene Society Potluck and Game Night
- Seeking Volunteers & Donations for One Pot, One Hope
- Food for Thought
- Faith and Arts Weekend
- Notes from the Organ Bench
- Honolulu LGBTQ+ Pride Festival
- Regular Offerings
- HeartBeat Deadline
- Electronic Funds Transfers for July
- Attendance and Offerings for August
- Prayer Requests
- September Birthdays
- Calendar: September 2024
First Mondays Concert Series: Summer’s Last Serenade
Monday, September 9, at 7:00 pm
We kick off the 2024–2025 season of First Monday Concerts with a delightful evening of music for winds plus cello and bass. Join us for luscious Romantic music featuring Charles Gounod’s Petite Symphonie and Antonin Dvořák’s Serenade for Wind Instruments.
The evening begins with pūpū in the courtyard at 6:15. The concert is free, and donations are welcome.
LCH Free Store
Saturday, September 21, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM • Hörmann Courtyard
Your Stewardship Team will be hosting a Free Store on Saturday, September 21, in the Hörmann Courtyard. Our last Fee Store in 2022 was just for our congregation, but this time we will be inviting the whole neighborhood to be parts of this manifestation of the “gift economy,” in which goods and services are freely exchanged with no payment or promises to pay (a bit like the early Christian church described in Acts).
The Stewardship Team invites you to participate in the Free Store by bringing items from home which are in good condition but no longer needed, by helping staff the Free Store, and by letting our neighbors know about it.
Read this month’s Stewardship Corner to find out more about the Free Store.
Faith and Arts Weekend
Saturday Evening, September 28, and Sunday Morning, September 29
Each year LCH celebrated the creativity of our ‘ohana with Faith and Arts Weekend. This event begins Saturday evening with a showcase of performing arts from spoken word to song and dance. This will be followed by a display of visual arts, crafts, and writing on Sunday morning. Everyone connected with LCH is welcome to participate with either newly-created works or past creations.
For more information, including details about how to participate, please see the full article later in the newsletter. Faith and Arts Weekend is coordinated by Willow Chang and Peter Flachsbart.
From Pastor Jeff
A Living Gospel
In our prayers for you we always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. You have heard of this hope before in the word of the truth, the gospel that has come to you. Just as it is bearing fruit and growing in the whole world, so it has been bearing fruit among yourselves from the day you heard it and truly comprehended the grace of God.—Colossians 1:3–6
“I have good news for you.” That is a phrase we all like to hear at any time of day. Our ears perk up, we instantly feel better, and, at least for me, it triggers a little wave of hope. While we are inundated with news every day, not a lot of it qualifies as good news. As a matter of fact, more and more people are tuning out of the news for the simple reason that most of the content is pretty depressing. A constant barrage of difficult news is simply hard to take and, for some, effects their mental health.
My personal choice is somewhat different. I truly believe that I need to stay engaged with what is happening in the world if I am going to be able to make any difference. So, as painful and unpleasant as it is, I keep reading articles about the ongoing aggressions and horrible human rights violations in Palestine, about growing starvation in Sudan, and the political chaos unfolding around the U.S. elections. My faith calls me to be engaged in the suffering of the world and bear witness to the hope Jesus brings for all people. One way to do that is having information about what is happening in the world. But I admit, it is truly overwhelming, most of the problems seem impossibly complex, and there seems to be nothing I can do as an individual. It can, in fact, be quite depressing.
I have good news for you! In the midst of all that is going on in the world, in our personal lives, and in the brokenness of the world, God is present and calling us to bear good fruit. As Paul says in the letter to the Colossians, “You have heard of this hope before in the word of the truth, the gospel that has come to you. Just as it is bearing fruit and growing in the whole world, so it has been bearing fruit among yourselves from the day you heard it and truly comprehended the grace of God.” This Gospel is more than ancient words recorded in the Bible. The Greek word which we translate “Gospel” (εὐαγγελίον) means literally, “good news.” The good news is embodied and living in you and in our greater community of faith.
That same good news is embodied when members of our Southern California congregations travel to the border and reach through the bars of the border wall, pass through sack lunches to waiting families, and hold hands through the bars to pray with them. That is good news! Good news is embodied in volunteers who make sandwiches for IHS and meals at One Pot, One Hope. The good news of Jesus is embodied as we lay on hands and pray for one another on Sunday morning and gather around the table for the sacrament. The good news is embodied each time we welcome a stranger or comfort a friend. The good news is that the world does not have to live with genocide and political chaos. God gives us another way that is rooted in the Gospel, where love for neighbor, compassion for those in need, and caring for the stranger are our native language. In other words, we actually have a choice as citizens of God’s great, creative endeavor to live in love and be a witness for change in a world addicted to rancor, competition, and greed. But it is more than a choice. It is the gift God is giving us in Jesus, if only we have eyes to see and ears to hear.
I have good news for you! You are truly beloved of God, and God joins you as you live out the Gospel through worship, social action, aid to those in need, advocacy for the suffering, and the unending work to bring peace. You are not alone; you are loved
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 II
Last month’s Stewardship Corner reminded us about the Free Store held at LCH in 2022. It was such a success we are planning another on September 21 and inviting the whole Makiki community. Free Stores are a fairly recent manifestation of a “gift economy,” in which goods and services are freely exchanged with no payment or promises to pay. As Christians, we can think of free stores as something of a revival of the early Christian communal economic arrangements. It provides benefits for our environment as well as for people shedding unwanted/no longer needed/still useable “stuff” and people gaining items they need.
Last month’s column encouraged you to begin saving items to contribute and promised detailed information would be forthcoming. And now we’re ready to provide those details.
Plans are now set for the Free Store to take place Saturday, September 21, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, in the Hörmann Courtyard and, if needed, Isenberg Hall.
The first thing we need are items to stock our store. We ask you to look through your cabinets and closets to identify those items you no longer need that are small enough to be carried and in good enough condition that someone will want to take them away to enjoy. Please bring your items to church on Sunday morning, September 8 or September 15. There will be a table in the courtyard to receive your donations. If you cannot bring your items in those two Sundays, please contact Barb Poole-Street by phone at 808-358-2492 or bpoolestreet@gmail.com, and she will arrange a different drop-off time.
If you have an overabundance of shopping bags (cloth or paper), please bring them in so people can easily carry out items from the free store.
After items to “sell,” the next important need is people:
- People to set up the store from 8:00 to 10:00 am before shoppers arrive;
- People to welcome those who come to the store between10:00 am and 2:00 pm, answer any questions shoppers might have, and show them how friendly we are;
- People to help take down the store after it closes at 2:00 pm.
Finally—but perhaps firstly—we need people to spread the word so our neighbors know about the store. We will provide fliers that can be posted in grocery stores, on condo and university bulletin boards, and elsewhere in our neighborhood. We will have some available for you to take and post where you think folks will see them. Please share news about this event with others!
Our Free Store on September 21 is a great way for our whole congregation to testify to both the abundance of God’s creation and the boundless nature of God’s love for all and to show our welcome for our neighbors. We hope you will be a part of the celebration.
Barbara Poole-Stteet 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.
Give Aloha Returns September 1!
LCH Org Code: 78224
We are registered again to participate in the annual Give Aloha Program, sponsored by Foodland/Western Union. During the month of September, donations to Give Aloha, up to $249, will be accepted at any Foodland or Sack N Save. Don’t forget your Maika‘i Card and use the LCH Organization Code (78224) at the time of your donation. Foodland and Western Union will match every gift received up to $300,000 for all combined participating organizations.
Training for Worship Assistants
Each Sunday members of the congregation help lead wor- ship by reading scripture or serving as the assisting minister or communion assistant. We welcome additional participation and will be providing training over the next few weeks. 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.
Linda and Stephanie Miller helping clean up after the post-worship coffee hour.Adult Forum
Sundays at 9:00 am • In-person in the Boardroom
Wayne Gau will lead a discussion of “Jesus, Wealth, and Labor” as set forth in the Bible. The discussion may have some surprises along the way. Please come at 9:00 am on Sundays, and bring your coffees.
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, September 1, 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.
LCH OFFICE CLOSED on Monday September 2
In observance of Labor Day
Leadership Roundtable
Tuesday, September 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 with login information. Please be prepared to share a little information on your activities with the group. Mahalo!
Fred Benco and Carolyn Ishikawa with their son Paul and his family who are visiting from the Canary Islands.Game Day
Wednesday, September 4, 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.
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, September 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 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!
Confirmation Classes
Sundays, September 15, 22, and 29, at 11:45 am • Rainbow Room
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.
Compline
Sunday, September 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 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 the LCH Facebook page.
Roy Helms and Pr. Jeff keeping the sandwich making line going! LCH volunteers serve once a month in preparing sack lunches for IHS.Writers’ Workshop
Monday, September 16, 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!
IHS Sandwich Making
Thursday, September 19, 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.
Mary Magdalene Society Potluck and Game Night
Saturday, September 21, 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 September 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.
Seeking Volunteers & Donations for One Pot, One Hope
Saturday, September 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. 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.
New players are welcomed at Game Day!Food for Thought
Saturday, September 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, please RSVP, contact Marlise Tellander at marlisetellander@hotmail.com.
Faith and Arts Weekend
Saturday Evening and Sunday Morning, September 28 and 29
LCH will celebrate Faith and Arts Weekend by showcasing 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.
Notes from the Organ Bench
September is here, and we are “Bach” at it! The LCH Choir began rehearsals and are in preparation for our first Sunday back as the full choir. We will be sharing the wonderful Cantata Number 78: Jesu, Der du mine Seele (Jesus, by Thy Cross and Passion). This particular cantata was first performed on September 10, 1724, and we will be celebrating its 300th anniversary by sharing it in worship at LCH. The idea for this work came from Marsha Schweitzer, who let me know of this anniversary, has written a brass quintet based on the work. The quintet is titled “Variations and Passacaglia on the Cantata Jesu, Der du mine Seele, bwv 78,” and it is kindly dedicated to the “Lutheran Church of Honolulu to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the Cantata, the 14th Sunday after Trinity, 2024.” We are excited to share this on Sunday, September 8, and hope to see you in worship!
As we continue through September, the LCH Choir will be sharing music by Thomas Tallis, Charles Villiers Stanford, Thomas Attwood, Raymond Weidner, and Will Todd. You may remember that Will Todd wrote the “Jazz Missa Brevis” that the choir has shared in our Easter Vigil service. His “Call of Wisdom,” for September 29, was commissioned to mark Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee with a text adapted from Proverbs 8 and implores the listener to trust in God. Its harmony is beautiful, with the organ having a bit of jazz in its quiet accompaniment.
September 15 at 7:30 pm will be our first Compline Service of the season, as we continue our practice of singing this service the third Sunday, September through May. The tenors and basses of the LCH Choir have graciously agreed to sing for this beautiful service of contemplation through scripture and music. Please join us and find a renewed spirit within.
Watch for more information to come for our “Buy a Pipe” campaign to support the addition of new pipework for the Beckerath organ! A gift of $300 will support one pipe of the Salicional stop (with 56 total pipes). A gift of $500 will support one pipe of the Trumpet stop (with 32 total pipes). These gifts may be made in memory or honor of someone and will also support the mission project being finalized by the church Council. We thank you for your generous support to celebrate this fine organ at “50 and Beyond”!
For more information on the upcoming music for September, both from the LCH Choir and the myself at the Beckerath organ, please the list of Reading, Hymns, and Music on our website.
Barry J. Wenger, dma
Honolulu LGBTQ+ Pride Festival
Lutheran Church of Honolulu will not be marching in Gay Pride Parade this year. The Parade will be in the late afternoon/evening, conflicting with LutherFest that evening. Please consider sending a donation to the LGBTQ+ Foundation to assist in the Pride festivities. I suggest you include in the message that you are doing so as a member of Lutheran Church of Honolulu.
Jim Cartwright
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, September 17, 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., Jo Ellen D., Mabel D., Michael, Miriam S., Peggy A., Robert C., Salina R., Star W., Tracy 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.
