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Celebrating the Cross and Resurrection—
Holy Week and Easter at LCH

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Easter morning the 8:0 AM congregation was treated to special music on French horn and organ.For the children’s conversation, Pr. Jeff used plastic eggs to illustrate the meaning of Easter.Between services the congregation enjoyed a delicious potluck brunch.The children had an Easter egg hunt.For the 10:30 service, a brass quartet provided special music.Celebrating communion amid the festive Easter decorations.

Easter Sunday

Members and friends gather for a joyful celebration Easter Sunday morning.

Between two festive worship services at 8:00 and 10:30 am, the younger children enjoyed an Easter egg hunt, and everyone enjoyed a bountiful potluck brunch.

The Great Vigil of Easter began with the lighting of a new fire in the Hörmann Courtyard.The Pascal Candle was lit from the new fire, and the Exsultet was sung.Light was passed during the singing of the Exulted.After hearing lessons from the Hebrew Scriptures telling salvation history, the litany was sung while waiting to enter the Nave.The ministers led the congregation into the Nave and lit the presence candle before the Easter proclamation.Pastor Jeff incensing the altar at communion.Receiving communion at the rail.Breaking the Lenten fast with champagne, cookies, and strawberries following the Vigil.

Great Vigil of Easter

The last part of the Great Three Days (Triduum) began with the congregation gathered in the Hörmann Courtyard for the kindling of the new fire and the lighting of the Pascal Candle.

Members of the congregation lit their candles the flame passed from the Pascal Candle and listened to the Exsultet. The service continued with the retelling of salvation history through lessons from the Hebrew Scriptures, the renewal of baptismal vows, and the Litany of the Saints.

Following the litany, the ministers returned to the courtyard in white Easter vestments and let the congregation into the Nave as the choir sang the Kyrie. The Vigil continues with the joyous Easter proclamation and holy communion.

Following worship, the congregation returned to the Courtyard to break their Lenten fast with a sweet feast of champagne, strawberries, and cookes.

For the Good Friday portion of the Triduum, the cross is veiled, and ministers are dressed in black.The prayer that God “look with loving mercy on your family, for who our Lord jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed.”The Passion Gospel according to John was sung in a setting by Zachary Wadsworth.Behold the life-giving cross on which was hung the salvation of the world.Worshippers brought candles and knelt before the cross.Worshippers departed in silence to await the Easter Vigil.

Good Friday

The observance of the Great Three Days (Triduum) continued with the Good Friday Liturgy. Members gathered to hear the Passion Gospel and venerate the cross.

“The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to John” was sung in a setting by Zachary Wadsworth. David Del Rocco sang the part of the Evangelist, Simon Crookall sang Jesus, and Karol Nowicki sang Pilate; the choir took the part of the crowd.

The Passion was followed by the Solemn Collects and the the Adoration of the Crucified.

The Triduum concludes with the Easter Vigil Saturday evening at 7:30 pm.

The Triduum—Great Three Days—began with Maundy ThursdayPastor Jeff preached on the Gospel lesson of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet as an act of love.hen members of the congregation washed each others’ feet......moving out of their comfort zones to experience this act of service and love.Following Holy Communion, the elements were carried out of the Nave.Then the altar was stripped.Worshippers meditated in the bare Nave.

Maundy Thursday

Our celebration of the Triduum—The Great Three Days—began on Maundy Thursday on March 24. Members gathered to hear again the story of the Last Supper, when Jesus met with his disciples in the Upper Room before being handed over to suffer and die for us.

The Gospel of John recounts how after supper, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and gave them a new commandment (Latin, mandatum, from which we get the word “Maundy”): ”Love one another.” In response, members of the congregation washed each other’s feet in the Maundy ritual.

The Maundy was followed by Holy Communion, in remembrance that Jesus instituted the sacrament in the Last Supper.

The liturgy concluded with the stripping of the altar, as Jesus was stripped before being crucified.

Both morning worship services on Palm Sunday begin in the courtyard.After hearing Luke’s account of the entry into Jerusalem and a brief homily, palms we blessed for the procession.The process moved from the courtyard into the parking lot......along the side of the church on Dominis......along Punahou, and back into the courtyard.Young and old carried palms and sang.At 10:30, a brass quartet accompanied the singing of “All glory, laud, and honor.”Back in the Nave, the service continued with prayers and lessons.Worship continued with the chanting of the Passion Gospel of Luke and holy communion.

Palm Sunday

Our celebration of Holy Week began with Palm Sunday, March 20.

At both morning service, worshipers gathered in the courtyard to listen to the Palm Sunday Gospel, followed by the blessing and distribution of palms and procession around the church.

Once the congregation was inside the Nave, the focus turned to the chanting of the Passion Gospel according to Luke.

Worship concluded with holy communion.

Holy Week and Easter at LCH

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Celebrating the Cross and Resurrection
HOLY WEEK AND EASTER
at the Lutheran Church of Honolulu

Christ showing wounds

PALM SUNDAY   †   Sunday, March 20
8:00 am

PROCESSION OF PALMS AND HOLY COMMUNION

The service moves from the commemoration of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem to the reading of the story of Jesus’ passion and death in the Gospel according to St. Luke. Music by the Early Worship Ensemble of singers accompanied by piano, guitar, flute, French horn, drum, and steel drums.
10:30 am

PROCESSION OF PALMS AND CHORAL EUCHARIST

The service moves from the commemoration of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem to the reading of the story of Jesus’ passion and death in the Gospel according to St. Luke. Music by Anerio and Martin and a brass quartet for the Procession of Palms.
robe and wash basin for Maundy liturgy

MAUNDY THURSDAY   †   Thursday, March 24
7:30 pm

CHORAL EUCHARIST AND MAUNDY LITURGY

A joyous celebration of the Eucharist meal quickly changes to one of love through humility in the washing of feet. The service concludes with the stripping of the altar, dramatizing Christ’s betrayal, stripping, and mocking by his captors. Music by Ola Gjeilo Duruflé, and Anerio.
crown of thorns

GOOD FRIDAY   †   Friday, March 25
7:30 pm

GOOD FRIDAY LITURGY AND ADORATION OF THE CRUCIFIED

This service celebrates the triumph of the cross. The service features the chanting of the St. John Passion and concludes with prayer around the cross. Music includes Zachary Wadsworth’s setting of the St. John Passion, “Popule meus” by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, and “Am Karfreitag” from Felix Mendelssohn’s Sechs Sprüche.
empty cross and Paschal candle

EASTER EVE   †   Saturday, March 26
7:30 pm

EASTER VIGIL AND SOLEMN CHORAL EUCHARIST

Kindling of a new fire, the story of deliverance from the Hebrew Scriptures, and renewal of Baptismal promises lead to the proclamation of Easter Victory and a joyous celebration of Holy Communion. Music by Forrest Pierce, William Byrd, and Benjamin Britten.
Chi Rho and empty tomb

EASTER SUNDAY   †   Sunday, March 27
8:00 am

FESTIVAL HOLY COMMUNON

We celebrate the empty tomb, the central mystery that through death comes new life. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Music by the Early Worship Ensemble.
10:30 am

FESTIVAL CHORAL EUCHARIST

We celebrate the empty tomb, the central mystery that through death comes new life. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Festive music for Easter including “Alleluia” by Randall Thompson.

The Reverend Jeff Lilley, Pastor   †   Scott Fikse, Director of Music and Liturgy

Children’s Benefit Concert a Great Success

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The concert began with the F.R.O.G.S. Choir singing “Peace Life a River” and “Kumbaya”

The children of LCH offered their annual benefit concert on Saturday, March 5, at 4:00 pm in the LCH Nave. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the children’s very own fundraising concerts.

As iIn years past, the children sang and performed on trumpet, violin, cello, organ, and piano. The photo at right shows the F.R.O.G.S. Choir singing “ Peace Life a River” and “Kumbaya” at the beginning of the concert Additional photos are available inn the slideshow below.

The beneficiary of donations at the concert and from others who could not attend is the ELCA Good Gifts program. The children ask the members of the congregation to make a pledge od $1 a day during Lent which will be added to the money children have contributed during Sunday School. After the concert, the Sunday School will decide which particular gifts to fund. The Good Gifts program enables individuals or groups to sponsor gifts of farm animals, clean water, health care, and education to help communities around the world transcend poverty and hunger. This tradition offers our children a chance to practice stewardship by donating their time and talent toward a worthy cause and a chance for adults in the congregation to model stewardship for the children by making contributions in connection with the concert.

If you were not able to attend the concert and would like to be part of this effort, donations are welcome through Easter Sunday.

Exploring Boundaries: Mālama Honua—The Spirit of Hōkūle‘a and the Polynesian Voyaging Society

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In this presentation, Harrison “Fa’atau” Togia focuses on the history and objectives of the Polynesian Voyaging Society (PVS), which include the contribution of knowledge of indigenous peoples to solutions for our global problems of poverty, environment, and sustainability.

Harrison currently teaches courses in physics and geology at the University of Hawai‘i—West O‘ahu. His graduate work at UHM under Dr. Clint Conrad included investigations into the formation of the sea floor around island groups. Harrison is also a training member of the PVS, now known worldwide for the global voyages of the Hōkūle’a and the Hikianalia.

Exploring Boundaries begins at 6:00 pm in Isenberg Hall and ends in time for Evening Prayer at 7:30.

Children’s Benefit Concert (March 5)

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The concert ended with the F.R.O.G.S. Choir singing “Elijah Rock!”

The Sunday School is preparing to offer their annual benefit concert on Saturday, March 5, at 4:00 pm in the LCH Nave. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the children’s very own fundraising concerts.

In the past, the children have performed with song and dance and on trumpet, violin, cello, drums, flute, organ, and piano; and we expect another enjoyable afternoon provided by our talented children. The photo at right shows the F.R.O.G.S. Choir singing “Elijah Rock!” at the end of the 2015 concert, and additional photos are available on the Children’s Benefit Concert 2015 page.

The beneficiary will again be the ELCA Good Gifts program. The children ask the members of the congregation to make a pledge at the concert or any time during Lent which will be added to the money children have contributed during Sunday School. After the concert, the Sunday School decides which particular gifts to fund. The Good Gifts program enables individuals or groups to sponsor gifts of farm animals, clean water, health care, and education to help communities around the world transcend poverty and hunger. This tradition offers our children a chance to practice stewardship by donating their time and talent toward a worthy cause and a chance for adults in the congregation to model stewardship for the children by making contributions in connection with the concert.

We hope you will attend the concert and consider giving $1 a day during Lent ($40) towards the fundraising effort. Please join us on March 5 for an invigorating concert and consider contributing to the ELCA’s worldwide ministries!

Lenten Suppers and Worship (Wednesdays beginning Feb. 17)

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The serving line for Wednesday evening soup and salad suppers.The serving line for Wednesday evening soup and salad suppers.

Each Wednesday evening during the season of Lent, members and friends of LCH will gather for table fellowship and worship.

The evenings begin with a light supper of soup, salad, and bread beginning at 6:00 pm. The meal is provided by volunteers, and all are welcome to join in fellowship and conversation around the table. If you feel moved to contribute to the meal, please sign up in the courtyard on Sunday morning.

Worship follows the meal at 7:00 pm using the music and prayerful song from Marty Haugen’s Holden Evening Prayer. This year’s worship will focus on feminine images of God through Bible lesson drawn from the prophets, wisdom literature, and the Gospels and through meditations prepared by members of our Writers’ Workshop. This focus was suggested by our Jahreslosung (“year verse”), “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you” (Isaiah 66:13). The Jarreslosung was introduced during German Vespers on New Year’s Day.

As we all move forward on our Lenten journey and prepare for Easter joy in the resurrection, all are invited to come together at the table, to be fed and nourished in body and soul, and to worship together as a faith community.

The cantors place the lighted candle at the beginning of worship.The cantors place the lighted candle at the beginning of worship.

12th Annual Faith and Arts Sunday

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Members look at examples of the art work of children and adults submitted as part of the annual Faith and Arts Sunday

LCH celebrated its annual Faith and Arts Sunday on February 8. Held each spring, this is a time when members of the congregations recognize the many ways the arts enrich our lives and honor the artist of all ages who call LCH home.

Works submitted this year represented a wide variety of media. There were examples of needle craft, paintings, digital media, poetry, prose, photography, drawings, woodworking, and even action figures.

Participating artists included young children, working adults, and retirees. Some, like members of the Writers’ Workshop, meet regularly as a group, but many work at home and share as part of this annual event.

At right, members look at examples of the art work of children and adults submitted as part of the annual Faith and Arts Sunday.

The slideshow below includes photos of most of the works shared. Click on any of the slides to open up a larger version in a new window.

Read poetry and prose written by members of the Writers’ Workshop.

“Ying Yang,” and “Mt. Fiji” (ceramics) by Diana SellnerItems Displayed at Faith and Arts Sunday (clockwise from top left)—“something” (something) by Jean-Paul Klingebiel; “something” (something) by Kathryn Klingebiel; “Lace Sampler Sweater” (linen) and “Two-tone Blanket” (cotton) by Linda Miller; “Heart Pillow” (hand sewn) by Samantha LuuloaItems Displayed at Faith and Arts Sunday (clockwise from top left)—“Arizona” (photograph) by Richard Cook; “Side Table” (Broken LCH pew) and “Carved Travel Cribbage” (teak) by Jeff Lilley; “Trophy for Nana” (clay) by Azure Sueda; “Winnie’s Family” (Wooden puzzles and photo) by Don JohnsonMembers read the poetry and prose shared by participants in the Writers’ Workshop.Items Displayed at Faith and Arts Sunday (left to right)—“Tree of Life” (wood, copper, and gold leaf), “Gathering Light from Above and Below” (painting and wood sculpture), and “Like a Tree” (carved wood) by Don JohnsonItems Displayed at Faith and Arts Sunday (top to bottom)—“Untitled” (tempera) by Carol Langner; “Sophie” (charcoal) by Fritz FritschelItems Displayed at Faith and Arts Sunday (left to right and top to bottom)—5 unidentified; “Progeny—80 and Counting” (photography) by Don JohnsonItems Displayed at Faith and Arts Sunday—“Scenes in Honolulu #1 through #7” (photography) by Jim CartwrightItems Displayed at Faith and Arts Sunday (top to bottom and left to right)—“Scenes in Honolulu #8 and #9” (photography) by Jim Cartwright; “Nudibranch-Lungs (left), Smelling Horns (right),” “Anna’s Chromodoris Nudibranch,” “Christmas Tree Worm,” “Yellow Sea Cucumbers with 5-Tentacle Mouths,” “Grey Gill Nudibranch (note horns),” “Gold Mouth Sea Squirt Tunicate” (photography) by Steve MillerItems Displayed at Faith and Arts Sunday (top to bottom and left to right)—“Sleepy Network Pipefish,” “Banded Coral Shrimp (3 pairs of claws),” “Squirrel Fish and Friends” (photography) by Steve Miller; “Still Life” and “Aspens and Pines” (charcoal) by Fritz FritschelItems Displayed at Faith and Arts Sunday—“Action v. Interaction” (posed action figures) by Robert Tellander

Lent Begins with Ash Wednesday (Feb. 10)

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Pastor Jeff Lilley marks the foreheads of members of the congregation with ashes during the Ash Wednesday Liturgy.Pastor Jeff Lilley marks the foreheads of members of the congregation with ashes during the Ash Wednesday Liturgy.

LCH begins the observance of Lent on February 10 with the traditional Ash Wednesday Liturgy with imposition of ashes.

Throughout the Lent, members and friends will gather on Wednesday evenings for table fellowship and worship. This year’s worship will focus on feminine images of God through Bible lesson drawn from the prophets, wisdom literature, and the Gospels and through meditations prepared by members of our Writers’ Workshop. This focus was suggested by our Jahreslosung (“year verse”), “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you” (Isaiah 66:13). The Jarreslosung was introduced during German Vespers on New Year’s Day.

As our congregations prepares for our Easter joy in the resurrection, all are invited to come together at the table, to be fed and nourished in body and soul, and to feast together as a faith community. The liturgy used during Wednesday worship will incorporate the music and prayerful song from Haugen’s Holden Evening Prayer.

12th Annual Faith and Arts Sunday (Feb. 7)

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Members look at examples of the art work of children and adults submitted as part of 2015’s annual Faith and Arts Sunday

LCH will celebrate its annual Faith and Arts Sunday on February 7. Held each spring, this is a time when members of the congregations recognize the many ways the arts enrich our lives and honor the artist of all ages who call LCH home.

Works displayed each year represent a wide variety of media: needle craft, paintings, digital media, poetry, prose, photography, drawings, woodworking, and more. Participating artists included young children, working adults, and retirees. Some, like members of the Writers’ Workshop an the In Stitches craft group, meet regularly as a group, but many work at home and share as part of this annual event.

At right, members look at examples of the art work of children and adults submitted for Faith and Arts Sunday 2015. Photos from 2015 are available on the 2015 Faith and Arts Sunday page, as are poetry and prose written by members of the Writers’ Workshop.

Exploring Boundaries: Islamic Philosophy in the Modern World (Jan. 17)

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Dr. Tamara Albertini

Our speaker this month is Tamara Albertini, professor of Renaissance and Islamic philosophy in the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa’s department of philosophy. Growing up in Tunisia, Tamara absorbed the culture, Arabic language, and history of this vibrant Islamic country. She has built her academic career on the study of the great philosophers and philosophical traditions that for centuries have shaped the development of Islam. She also specializes in the interrelationship of Islamic and European Renaissance philosophy, an exchange from which the West gained enormously.

Tamara’s presentation will help explain the difference between today’s purist salafiyya (Arabic for “getting back to the roots”) thinking and the original 19th century salafiyya, which was about rejuvenating, reforming Muslim societies, and bridging differences between Islam and Christianity as well as Sunni and Shi’a Islam. Tamara travelled to Tunisia last summer, and has posted her travel journals in a blog. She shares her reflections at www.travelofadiasporicself.com.

This fall, four Tunisians won the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize for their roles in guiding that country’s 2011 Jasmine Revolution to a peaceful conclusion. This peace is always fragile; Tunisia has experienced violent acts recently but continues to hold together with democratic institutions in place and functioning.

Exploring Boundaries begins at 6:00 pm in Isenberg Hall and ends in time for Evening Prayer at 7:30.