In this issue:
- 50th Annual Advent Procession
- A Festival of Carols in Brass—Re-Imagined
- Christmas Worshiop at LCH
- From Pastor Margrethe
- LCH Office Hours
- Stewardship Corner
- Committee/Interest Group Chairs
- Mahalo for Your Give Aloha Donations!
- Committee Chair Reports
- End of Year Donations
- Donate a Poinsettia for Christmas
- Angel Network In-Gathering
- Adult Forum
- Virtual Coffee Talk Ending
- Confirmation Classes
- Leadership Roundtable
- Game Day
- Book of Faith Bible Study
- Restorative Yoga
- Mary Magdalene Society
- Compline
- Writers’ Workshop
- Blue Christmas Evening Prayer Service
- IHS Sandwich Making
- Food for Thought
- Deck the Halls!
- LCH OFFICE CLOSED for the Christmas Holiday
- Advent Worship at LCH
- One Pot, One Hope
- LCH OFFICE CLOSED for the New Year’s Holiday
- Second Half of the 2024 Annual Meeting
- Regular Offerings
- The Beckerath Organ—50 and Beyond!
- Save on Your Taxes!
- HeartBeat Deadline
- Electronic Funds Transfers for October
- Attendance and Offerings for November
- Prayer Requests
- December Birthdays
- Calendar: December 2024
50th Annual Advent Procession
December 1 at 7:30 pm • In-person and Via Livestreaming Broadcast
Join us for Lutheran Church of Honolulu’s annual Advent Procession, a beloved Hawai‘i tradition since 1975. This year the service, led by Barry Wenger, our organist and director of music, is organized around Peter Hallock’s “O” Antiphons and will include seasonal readings, hymns old and new, and glorious choral selections by the LCH Choir.
For those not attending in person, Advent Procession will also be livestreamed on the LCH Facebook page.
First Monday Concert: A Festival of Carols in Brass—Re-Imagined
Monday, December 9, at 7:00 pm • In-person
Join our brass ensemble for some fresh arrangements of your favorite traditional carols. Inspired by A Festival of Carols in Brass, recorded in 1967 by the Philadelphia Brass Ensemble, these arrangements were created by Japan-born trumpet player Hayato Tanaka. Performing will be Casey Tamanaha and Ethan Garland, trumpets; Marie Lickwar, horn; Gabe Cruz, euphonium; Jordan Goto, trombone; and Lisa Stoneham, bass trombone.
Let the festive sounds of brass bring you some holiday cheer with beauty, elegance, and flare! This concert will help you set the mood for the Christmas season.
All are invited to gather for pūpū in the Hörmann Courtyard and 6:15 pm. The concert is free, with a suggested donation $20. In addition, we will continue to collect packaged, unopened dry goods (e.g., cereal, flour, sugar, pasta, etc.) and canned food donations for the Angel Network at each concert.
From Pastor Margrethe
Patience
Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains.—James 5:7
Patience is a lost art in the 21st century. We have become accustomed to instant access to goods, services, and information. Supermarkets are open all night. We can shop online 24/7. We can log on to our favorite news source any time of day or night as our phones notify us of world events unfolding in real time. There is no need to wait.
A gift of Advent, a season of waiting and anticipation, is the gift of patience. Waiting teaches us patience. Patience is trusting that there is no quick fix, for what matters most in life unfolds slowly. It takes time to raise a child. It takes time to learn a musical instrument. It takes time for a broken bone to mend, and it takes time to grieve our losses. We cannot compel growth, learning, forgiveness, or healing by force of will any more than we can compel crops to grow.
Patient waiting goes against the grain, especially in the United States, the land of fast food and instant gratification. We slam the phone down in anger if we cannot get immediate help. We go into blame mode if something or someone does not meet our impossibly high standards. We demand perfection of ourselves and others, and we wanted it yesterday.
Patience is gentle. Patience invites us to move through life more graciously and to be kinder to ourselves and others. Patience invites us to let go of our agendas and give into the fullness of God’s time. James would say we must wait for the precious crop until it receives the early and late rains.
Our agendas and demands will not rush God. God’s no at the moment is often a prelude to a greater yes, which becomes apparent only in hindsight.* Some of the most painful moments in my life have proved fertile ground for personal and spiritual growth. And, days of tears have given way to greater joy than I imagined. The timing, though, was never mine but wholly God’s.
In the fullness of time, God acts. Israel waited, yearned, and hoped for its messiah, but God was not rushed. In the fullness of time, God sent a son, born of Mary, born in Bethlehem, as a sign of God’s compassion and mercy.
In the fullness of time, God will act. The precious crop will come. The children will grow, our hearts will mend, and we will learn to sing again. And in the fullness of time, God’s son will return to heal and bring life to the earth.
Advent Blessings,
Pastor Margrethe
* Holly Witcomb, Seven Spiritual Gifts of Waiting (Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress Press, 2005).
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 the pastor 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 |
Welcoming to All
Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Don’t forget to welcome outsiders. By doing that, some people have welcomed angels without knowing it.—Hebrews1:1–3
In a few short weeks LCH will enter its 125th anniversary year, and so the Stewardship Team has decided to organize the coming year following the guiding principles outlined in our haiku mission statement:
Welcoming to all
Worshiping, growing, serving
Christ’s community.
We begin this look at our mission statement with a focus on the first line, “Welcoming to all” during December and January.
Bill Potter and I thought we should start out by meeting with Pastor Jeff and arranged a meeting in late September. Pastor Jeff began by listing many good things we’ve already done to be a welcoming community, such as our Free Store, strong concert program, and streaming services, noting that they are all ways that we have reached out near and far to welcome others. He was excited about the enthusiasm and support for these efforts within our congregation. He also had some ideas about what else was needed, and at the top of his list was a revival of the Aloha Ministry, i.e., the greeters. The three of us discussed in some detail how he saw this ministry working in our church. In addition to welcoming visitors, the three of us also shared ideas about ways to help members of the congregation invite people to come to LCH so our Greeters will have plenty of people to welcome.
Based on this conversation with Pr. Jeff and a follow-up conversation with Pr. Margrethe, our focus on “Welcoming to all,” will begin with a revival of the Aloha Ministry in December and a look at how to invite people to LCH in January.
The heart of the Aloha Ministry will be a monthly rotation of 3 teams consisting of 2 or 3 people each. These teams would be responsible for greeting everyone as they come through the courtyard before the service, with special attention given to visitors. The greeters’ base would be the Aloha Cart (which will be moved forward from where it currently sits), and the teams would be on duty from 9:45 until about 10:05 am. So as not to burden the wonderful folks who volunteer for this ministry, we’d also like to recruit 2 additional groups of greeters, those who will cover the special services as well as a few folks who would be willing to serve as substitutes if one of the scheduled greeters is unable to come.
Pastor Jeff may no longer be here in body, but his spirit remains alive in and among us, and what better way to honor all that he has done for us than to be a part of the revived Aloha Ministry? We’ve already got 1 of our 3 teams ready to go during the month of December. Wouldn’t you like to add your name to the list in one of the capacities explained above? Bill and I will be seeking some of you out, but it would be even better if you beat us to it. As soon as we’ve assembled the teams, we’ll hold a short training for you all, so don’t worry if you’re unclear as to what to do. You’ll know before it’s your time to serve.
There are many places in the Bible where God tells us to welcome the stranger and show hospitality to others. We are to do this because God first welcomed us. The love and acceptance we receive from God is love we then can share with the fellow members of God’s family. And who knows? Maybe we’ll even encounter an angel or two along the way.
Cindy Scheinert for the Stewardship Team
Pam Buckley, Willow Chang, Phyllis Hörmann, Barbara Poole-Street, Bill Potter, and Cindy Scheinert
Mahalo for Your Give Aloha Donations!
The Give Aloha organization extends their congratulations to LCH! “Your success in Foodland’s Give Aloha 2024 program has resulted in a top 100 finish!” LCH donations totaled $2,143.00, resulting in matching gifts of $700.25, and a grand total of $2,843.25 for LCH and LCH programs. Mahalo for your generosity!
Committee Chair Reports—Deadline December 18
It’s time to begin compiling the Annual Report! Please submit your committee’s yearly report to the LCH office by Monday, December 18. Direct questions to the office at 808-941-2566 or email LCH@LCHwelcome.org.
End of Year Donations
Thank you for your generous giving throughout this year. Your faithful stewardship has enabled us to grow in ministry and faithfully support the larger church and community. Mahalo!
Your generous gifts are always needed and appreciated this time of year, and any gift you can give will be a blessing. Additional gifts to the general fund are always most helpful, but you may also make gifts to support capital projects, community assistance, or any other need.
The IRS requires that charitable donations must be received at LCH, or postmarked, by December 31 in order to be counted as 2024 charitable deductions. Contributions brought to LCH or postmarked on or after January 1 will be counted as 2025 charitable deductions, no matter what the date is on the check.
Ayesha Nibbe and David Henken talk with long-time member Pam Buckley, who was visiting from her new home in Wyoming.Donate a Poinsettia for Christmas
You have an opportunity to dedicate a poinsettia plant to help decorate the nave for Christmas. If you wish to donate poinsettia, please email the LCH office at LCH@LCHwelcome.org. Provide the names of friends and loved ones you are dedicating and whether the dedication is in their honor or memory. Indicate the number of plants you are purchasing, and mail a check to LCH for the total cost (plants are $9 each). Thank you for helping to make the environment festive for Christmas!
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.
Adult Forum
Sundays at 9:00 am • In-person in the Boardroom
The topic of Adult Forum in December is the relationship between Church and State and the tensions in their co-existence. The discussion also raises the question of whether the U.S. is a Christian nation, a secular nation, or something in between.
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 Ending
Aloha can mean “hello” or “goodbye,” or “love.” In this case, we bid farewell to the LCH Zoom Coffee Hour on the first Sunday of each month. It sustained us and kept us connected while we were isolating during covid, but these days, everyone is busy on Sundays, including our pastors!
However, stay tuned as we work on future Zoom social gatherings. They may be on a regular or an ad hoc basis, but they will be on a different day and early enough so we can have a decent amount of time to chat and still end at a reasonable time if you’re on the East Coast. Whether on O‘ahu or away, let Cathy Baptista know if you might be interested. Email her at cathynt@gmail.com, and you’ll be added to her current list of 4 people.
Mary Fastenau and Juditha Murashige hold a ribbon with the word “hope” to add to our new LCH banner.Confirmation Classes
Sundays, December 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, at 11:45 am • Rainbow Room (No class on November 24)
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.
Leadership Roundtable
Tuesday, December 3, at 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, December 4, at 1:00 pm in Isenberg Hall
Please join Paula Wheeler for Game Day on Wednesday, December 4, 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.
Pr. Steve Jensen shares with Barb Poole-Street the good things he helps plan for the Wounded Warriors program.Restorative Yoga
Thursdays, December 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!
Mary Magdalene Society
Saturday, December 14, 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 December 8 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.
Compline
Sunday, November 17, 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.
Paula Wheeler and new visitors share a welcoming time after a worship servce.Writers’ Workshop
Monday, December 16, at 4:30 pm • Boardroom
Writers’ Workshop will meet in the LCH Boardroom on December 16. All are welcome! If you are new to our group and would like more information on how to participate, please contact Peter Flachsbart at pflachsbart@gmail.com. He will send you a Zoom link if you prefer to participate remotely. Mahalo!
Blue Christmas Evening Prayer Service
Wednesday, December 18, 7:00 pm • In-person Only
Holidays can be a time of celebration and joy. They can be an occasion for gathering with loved ones and celebrating the gifts of the season and of each other. For some of us, they can also be a time of grief—remembering and longing for loved ones that are no longer with us, those that have been lost during these holiday times, or praying for people who may be grieving around the world. All are welcome to a Wednesday evening prayer service near the winter solstice, the darkest night of the year in the northern hemisphere, to grieve the losses that are closer to our hearts during this time of year. Come for prayer, song, and lighting candles during this service that offers space for grief amidst the holidays.
IHS Sandwich Making
Thursday, December 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.
Food for Thought
Saturday, December 21, at 5:30 pm • David 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.
Deck the Halls!
On Monday, December 23rd, at 9:00 am willing members of the congregation are invited to help decorate the Nave for Christmas. Come join us at this festive time! If you have any questions, please contact the church office.
LCH OFFICE CLOSED for the Christmas Holiday
Tuesday, December 24, and Wednesday, December 25
December 1 • Advent I
10:00 am
Sunday Worship: Signs and Strength
7:30 pm
50th Advent Procession: Hallock’s “O” Antiphons
December 8 • Advent II
10:00 am
Festival of Carols in Brass Re-Imagined
December 9 • First Mondays Concert
7:00 pm
Sunday Worship: Promises and Portents
December 15 • Advent III
10:00 am
Sunday Worship: Proclamations and Prophets
7:30 pm
Advent Compline
December 18 • Blue Christmas
7:00 pm
A Service of Remembrance with Hope
December 22 • Advent IV
10:00 am
Sunday Worship: Blessings and Bethlehem
One Pot, One Hope
| December 1 • Advent I | |
| 10:00 am | Sunday Worship: Signs and Strength |
| 7:30 pm | 50th Advent Procession: Hallock’s “O” Antiphons |
| December 8 • Advent II | |
| 10:00 am | Festival of Carols in Brass Re-Imagined |
| December 9 • First Mondays Concert | |
| 7:00 pm | Sunday Worship: Promises and Portents |
| December 15 • Advent III | |
| 10:00 am | Sunday Worship: Proclamations and Prophets |
| 7:30 pm | Advent Compline |
| December 18 • Blue Christmas | |
| 7:00 pm | A Service of Remembrance with Hope |
| December 22 • Advent IV | |
| 10:00 am | Sunday Worship: Blessings and Bethlehem |
There will be no One Pot, One Hope in December. Contact Billie Jean Reis or Linda Muller with any questions. Mahalo for assisting with this mission to provide meals to our neighbors.
LCH OFFICE CLOSED for the New Year’s Holiday
Tuesday, December 31, and Wednesday, January 1
Second Half of the 2024 Annual Meeting
Sunday, January 26, 11:15 am • Isenberg Hall
At the January4 26 second half, the main business items will be approving a final budget for the new year and a final vote on the constitution, for which a two-thirds majority is required.
All are welcome and encouraged to attend the meetings, but only members in good standing may vote. Please plan to attend.
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!
The Beckerath Organ—50 and Beyond!
As we continue our fundraising for the Beckerath Organ cleaning and additions, we are grateful for donations already received and hopeful that you will find a place for your gift. We joyfully celebrate having raised $42,000 in gifts and pledges towards our goal of $60,000. We cannot thank you enough for your generosity.
We are also beginning our “Support a Pipe” Campaign to continue to raise funds. We are recommending two options, but every gift will be honored:
- Trumpet Stop—a $500 per pipe gift ($250 to organ fund/$250 to Mission)
- Salicional Stop—a $300 per pipe gift ($150 to organ fund/$150 to Mission)
Please join us in the faithful stewardship of this wonderful instrument to have it thoroughly cleaned and enhanced by these two “new” sounds.
Gifts can be made on the Organ Fund PayPal Donation page.
Save on Your Taxes!
For individuals taking required distributions from a retirement account, under the new tax law, if you give cash or check donations from your personal funds, you will be taxed on them and you may not be able to take the deduction. There are two ways to avoid this.
- Donate directly to LCH from your IRA. If you take money directly from your IRA to give to LCH, this increases your income and may increase your tax bracket. You may not be able to use the deduction because of the new, higher standard deduction. Give directly by telling your IRA provider to donate to the church—the account representative will do this easily.
- Give appreciated stock directly to LCH. If you sell stock and then donate, it increases your tax bracket, and you may not be able to use the deduction because of the new, higher standard deduction. Instruct your broker to donate directly to LCH.
The church’s legal name and address is:
Lutheran Church of Honolulu
Note: There is no The in the church title)
1730 Punahou Street, Honolulu, HI 96822
If you need the Federal Tax ID (EIN) or if you have questions, please contact Steve Miller. As always, please check with your tax advisors to determine what is appropriate for you.
HeartBeat Deadline
Tuesday, December 17, 9:00 am
Alex M., Betty H., Chuck P. and Josie B., Don J., Elaine, George T., Geneva J. and family, Greg G., Harold W., Jane H., Jean L. and her family, Jo Ellen D., John B., John S., Johnny, Kathleen C., LaVerne R., Mabel D., Michael, Miriam S., Peggy A., 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.
