HeartBeat—October 2024

First Mondays Concert Series: Mele Monday with Ei Nei

Monday, October 7, at 7:00 pm

Continuing with the tradition of celebrating the music of Hawai‘i, we feature local favorite artist Ei Nei. Composed of Dane Fujiwara, Grant Kono, and ‘Ekolu Chang, this Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner will bring to us their unique blend of their sonorous voices combined with rich harmonies. Ei Nei will guide us on a captivating journey through the timeless melodies of traditional music while offering a fresh perspective on its future. Their performance promises to be a memorable experience, honoring the past and embracing the evolution of Hawaiian music.

The evening begins with pūpū in the courtyard at 6:15. The concert is free, and donations are welcome.

LutherFest!

Saturday, October 19, 5:30 pm • Hörmann Courtyard

Come celebrate our Lutheran heritage at our annual LutherFest, where we eat, drink, laugh, and have fun in the Hörmann Courtyard. Festivities begin at 5:30 pm with light pūpū and non-alcoholic punch provided. Beer and wine are available for a benefit donation, with proceeds going to the Hawai‘i Relief fund of the Pacifica Synod. Freshly made brats are on order and will become perfectly-grilled German brats for your enjoyment. Other dishes will be potluck.

More details will be forthcoming in future Sunday announcements. Danke sehr and hope to see you there!

From Pastor Jeff

Re-Formation for the 21st Century, Pt. 1

“I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that I still possess.”―Martin Luther

The 16th century in Europe was a tumultuous time of political upheaval, religious changes, and economic hardship. The Roman Catholic Church, which had dominated the religious and political scene for hundreds of years, faced unprecedented challenges on several fronts. During the Renaissance, Humanism gained popularity bringing reason to the forefront instead of faith. On another front, King Henry VIII of England sought to separate from the Roman Catholic Church in order to obtain a divorce from Catherine of Aragon. The Church of England was created that adopted both Catholic and Protestant characteristics in worship and practice, but clearly rejected the primacy of the Pope.

In what is now modern Germany, Martin Luther, an Augustinian monk, teacher, and pastor, began to question some of the excesses of his beloved church. To be sure, Luther was very much a product of the Renaissance period and had studied Greek and Hebrew as part of his education. But he was troubled by a church that seemed more interested in religious tradition and the building of cathedrals than in the teachings of Jesus. Being a professor who had studied scripture, he was puzzled by the piety promulgated by church hierarchy, including rather well-established pay-to-play schemes designed to extract as much money as possible support the church’s ambitious building projects and what Luther saw as the opulent lifestyle of the Papal household. But he was especially angered to see his mostly-poor parishioners subjected to increasingly burdensome taxes that left them without enough to eat and complex religious practices that left them worshipping in a language they could not understand (Latin) and a Bible they could not read.

For these and many other reasons, Luther joined an already-surging effort to reform the Roman Church. Initially, Luther’s proposal was far less radical than some other reformers of his time. He hoped to engage the scholarly and pastoral community in learned conversation and then present ideas to the cardinals and other officials in order to bring the Roman Catholic Church to a practice of ministry that was more faithful to what Luther saw as the will of God through Jesus. But even the thought of change was simply beyond the imagination of those in power. Luther, along with other reformers, was branded an enemy of the church, a heretic, and a danger to the work of Christ. Undaunted and with the protection of his prince, Luther continued his work of re-forming the church he loved. His detractors, including the Pope, accused him of trying to destroy Christ’s church. But that was never his intent. Rather he hoped that the leadership of the church would repent of the excesses, return the church to Christ, do the work of spreading the gospel of Jesus, and care for those in need. Further, he wanted people to actually know scripture, hear God’s word in their own language, and help parents to educate their children in the ways of faith. The world was changing around Luther, and he sought to help the church he loved to be a place of strength and comfort in the midst of that change. But it was too much to ask. In the end, the church splintered, and Luther had to let go of the church he loved. The rest is history unfolding.

Today, the world continues to change, and we in the church find ourselves at the ever-present crossroad. Some, like in Luther’s time, would like to burn down the institutional church and start all over again. But human nature tends to replace one institution with another, one power structure with another more powerful one. The institutional church, whether it the ELCA or any other denomination, is not really the problem. Our longing for something better will not be sated by starting over any more than downing an extra-large French fries and a 44- oz. extra-thick chocolate shake with whipped cream and sprinkles will cure loneliness. The re-formation for the 21st century might instead be rooted in discipling. I think that was Luther’s longing for both the papacy and for his parishioners: that all might live in the abundance of grace that is Jesus. Living in God’s grace frees us from serving the tyranny of the law (pleasing God) to live for the sake of our neighbor in the Gospel. By letting go of the traditions and desires of the Roman Church, Luther placed the church in God’s hands, confident that God would find a way to make of the church a beloved community of disciples.

Pastor Jeff

Part 2: Looking Forward in Discipling

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.

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

Although pop culture may credit Oprah Winfrey for inventing the idea of living life with an “attitude of gratitude,” the above biblical quote proves that this concept has existed for at least 2,000 years! Let’s look at Paul’s words more closely. As you’ll notice, the verbs here are not telling us about something but are instead commanding us to do something. We are told to “rejoice,” “pray,” and “give thanks” because this is what God wants us to do. If it’s God’s will, then we are supposed to do these things, right? But why? Who benefits from our joy, prayer, and gratitude?

I can’t speak for God, but I can confirm that when I make a conscious effort to notice my blessings and take time to thank God for them, I benefit. I find myself happier, with a more positive outlook toward life. Perhaps God wants us to “rejoice,” “pray,” and “give thanks” because it’s good for us to do those things. They make us feel better and be better people.

Unfortunately, though, “giving thanks in all circumstances” is not easy to do. The news bombards us not with stories about people who have been blessed but instead focuses on the worst of what we humans do to each other. It’s hard not to get dragged down, but if we focus only on the horrific, we’ll end up in a hopeless, joyless place. We’ll become pessimistic and disheartened. And when that happens, we tend to withdraw into our private thoughts and worries, disconnecting from others. This is not only bad for us, but it’s also bad for the world! It’s hard to attend to others’ needs when we are prisoners of our own negativity and fear.

While counting our blessings will not make the tragedies in the world disappear, having an “attitude of gratitude” can fortify us for the work we are called to do. Because when we can see the innumerable ways that God has blessed us, we are better equipped to act as God’s hands and feet in bringing love and compassion to a suffering world. That is the mission of the church: to feed the hungry, shelter the houseless, and bring the Good News of God’s love to those who can’t quite see or feel it at this moment in their lives. We are called to bring hope to the hopeless, and that task is much easier when we ourselves feel hopeful. When we acknowledge our blessings, we can then be a blessing for others.

And so, the Stewardship Team wants to encourage each one of us in the LCH ‘ohana—member and non-member alike—to follow God’s exhortation to “rejoice,” “pray,” and “give thanks” as we consider the ways that we can help our church fulfill its mission this coming year. We can first rejoice that we have been given the gift of LCH, for here we can work, worship, and play alongside wonderful people. Next, we can take stock of our innumerable blessings and thank God for them all. Finally, in gratitude, we can pray, asking that God help us identify the ways that we can contribute to this work of being the church.

One of my mother’s favorite hymns begins, “On our way rejoicing; gladly let us go.” May this be us at LCH as we go forward into our church’s 125th year, called and blessed to do God’s work.

Cindy Scheinert 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.

Mahalo for Give Aloha Donations

We are grateful to all who participated in the Give Aloha Program sponsored by Foodland/Western Union during the month of September at local Foodland locations.

Note: If you want your contribution listed on your giving statement, please put your receipt (clearly noting your name) in the offering plate or leave it in the office. Although, for tax purposes, your contribution is listed as “Foodland Give Aloha,” we are happy to include it on your giving statement and consider it as giving towards your annual pledge. We can direct it someplace other than the general fund if you make that designation.

Leadership Roundtable

Tuesday, October 1 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, October 2, at 1:00 pm in Isenberg Hall

Please join Paula Wheeler for GameDay on Wednesday, October 2, 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, October 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 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!

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, October 6, 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.

Confirmation Classes

Sundays, October 6, 13, and 20, 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.

LCH OFFICE CLOSED on Monday, October 14

In observance of Discoverers Day

IHS Sandwich Making

Thursday, October 17, 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.

Compline

Compline will not be sung October 20 because of the passing of Pr. Jeff

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.

Writers’ Workshop

Monday, October 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. Mahalo!

Seeking Volunteers & Donations for One Pot, One Hope

Saturday, October 26, 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.

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

Food for Thought

Saturday, November 2, 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.

All Saints’ Sunday

Sunday, November 3

On All Saints’ Sunday, you have the opportunity in worship to come forward to remember a deceased loved one by lighting a candle during the prayers. Please fill out a Saints Remembrance form at church or email the church office (lch@LCHwelcome.org) with the names of those you would like printed in the special bulletin insert. Join us for this special remembrance.

Mary Magdalene Society

The Mary Magdalene Society, LCH’s gathering of LGBTQ+ individuals and allies, will not meet during October. Our next meeting will be Saturday, November 16.

Third Quarter Giving Statements

Giving statements for the third quarter will be distributed via email on October 1. Statements to anyone who has given $25 or more this calendar year will be generated by the church’s accounting software and sent as PDF attachments to emails from statements@LCHwelcome.org. If the church does not have your email address, the statement will be mailed to your address in the accounting software. If you have given $25 or more and do not receive a statement by the end of the day October 1, please check your spam folder first, and if it is not there, please let me know at fin-sec@LCHwelcome.org, and I will make sure you get a statement.

Bill Potter, financial secretary

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!

Electronic Funds Transfers for August

Offering Fund	Amount	Offering Fund	Amount
Offering	$7,676	125th Mission Fun	$30
Concert Fund	$619	Organ Fund	$30
Music Fund	$425	Capital Improvements	$25
Social Ministries/IHS	$150	Wounded Warriors	$25
Family Promise	$30	One Pot, One Hope	$20

Attendance and Offerings for September

Date	Worship Service	Attendance	Offering Fund	Amount
September 1	Hybrid Worship	56 + 213 views	Offerings	$7,317
			Concert Fund	$1,000
			wounded Warriors	$500
September 8	Hybrid Worship	104 + 545 views	Family Promise	$200
			One Pot, One Hope	$20
September 15	Hybrid Worship	75 + 161 views	Offerings	$3,053
	Hybrid Compline	37 + 110 views	Angel Network	$20
September 22	Hybrid Worship	73 + 169 views
September 29	Hybrid Worship	76 + 233 views

HeartBeat Deadline

Tuesday, October 15, 9:00 am

Alex M., Betty H., Chuck P. and Josie B., the family of Colleen K., Don J., Elaine, George T., Geneva J. and family, Greg G., Harold W., Jane H., Jo Ellen D., Kathleen C., Laverne R., Mabel D., Michael, Miriam S., Peggy A., Robert C., Salina R., Star W., Tony P., 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.

October Birthdays

10/02	Reuben Padua
10/03	Mary Jo Estes
10/05	Akiyo Takamune
10/07	Phyllis Hörmann
10/07	Mark russell
10/09	Dorothy (Dot) Hutchins
10/10	Paul Benco
10/14	Stephen Miller
10/17	Donna Thomasson
10/20	Barbara Poole-Street
10/24	Katherine Crosier
10/25	Lynn Juvinall
10/28	Randy Castello
10/28	Jan Flachsbart
10/29	LaVonne Holmberg

Calendar: October 2024

Day	Date	Event and Time
Tuesday	October 1	6:30 pm, Leadership Roundtable Zoom Meeting
Wednesday	October 2	1:00 pm, Game Day, Isenberg Hall
Thursday	October 3	10:00 am, Bible Study, Boardroom/Zoom Meeting 6:00 pm, Restorative Yoga Zoom Class
Saturday	October 5	10:00 am, Jack Schwiegert Funeral Service, Nave
Sunday	October 6	9:00 am, Adult Forum, Boardroom 10:00 am, In-person/Streaming Worship Service 11:30 am, Virtual Coffee Talk Zoom Meeting 11:45 am, Confirmation, Rainbow Room
Monday	October 7	7:00 pm, First Mondays Concert, Nave
Tuesday	October 8	6:30 pm, Worship and Music Zoom Meeting
Thursday	October 9	10:00 am, Bible Study, Boardroom/Zoom Meeting 6:00 pm, Restorative Yoga Zoom Class
Saturday	October 12	1:00 pm, Chuck Huxel Funeral Service, Nave
Sunday	October 13	9:00 am, Adult Forum, Boardroom 10:00 am, In-person/Streaming Worship Service 11:45 am, Confirmation, Rainbow Room
Monday	October 14	Office Closed, Discoverers Day
Tuesday	October 15	HeartBeat Submissions Deadline 5:30 pm, Finance Committee Zoom Meeting
Thursday	October 17	10:00 am, Bible Study, Boardroom/Zoom Meeting noon, IHS Brown Bag Meal Prep (closed group) 6:00 pm, Restorative Yoga Zoom Class
Saturday	October 19	5:30 pm, LutherFest, Hörmann Courtyard
Sunday	October 20	9:00 am, Adult Forum, Boardroom 10:00 am, In-person/Streaming Worship Service 11:45 am, Confirmation, Rainbow Room 7:30 pm, Compline will not be sung this evening
Monday	October 21	4:30 pm, Writers’ Workshop Zoom Meeting
Tuesday	October 22	6:00 pm, Executive Council Zoom Meeting 6:30 pm, LCH Council Zoom Meeting
Thursday	October 24	10:00 am, Bible Study, Boardroom/Zoom Meeting 6:00 pm, Restorative Yoga Zoom Class
Saturday	October 26	9:00 am, One Pot, One Hope, Maluhia Lutheran Church
Sunday	October 27	Reformation Sunday 9:00 am, Adult Forum, Boardroom 10:00 am, In-person/Streaming Worship Service
Thursday	October 31	10:00 am, Bible Study, Boardroom/Zoom Meeting 6:00 pm, Restorative Yoga Zoom Class