October 2006—In this Issue:
- Message from Pastor
- Call Committee and Intentional Interim update
- Confirmation
- Finance Report
- Stewardship Campaign
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship hymnal is coming!
- Writers’ Workshop
- In Stitches needs Kukui Nuts
- Ohana Gatherings
- Property Committee
- TAKE A HIKE!!
- Keep in Your Prayers...
- Parking Lot Monitor
- The Power Game II: Imperialism vs. Counter Imperialism
- Lunch Bunch
- We need the Yarn back
- What’s new on the LCH website?
- Candidate for Ministry
- Center Stage performance
- Pray for...
- Pacifica Synod Assembly in Hawaii
- Hukilau news
- Mozart Vespers
- IHS Fundraiser—used ink cartridges and old cell phones
- The Angel Network needs your assistance
- October Birthdays
- LCH Worship Participants 8:00 a.m.
- LCH Worship Participants 10:30 a.m.
- Heart Beat Deadline
- Calendar: October 2006
View the entire issue as a full-color PDF via the link below:
October 2006 HeartBeat (PDF)
The HeartBeat
Message from Pastor
I would like to respond via the newsletter to a few questions I have frequently heard of late. The first is, “Pastor, what are you getting from the ohana gatherings?” The small group meetings in people’s homes have given me the opportunity to get to know many of you much better and to understand what draws you to this family of God from all over the island. I also am better able to tailor the intentional interim ministry for this unique congregation and not replicate earlier efforts by the Ministry Plan Task Force and others. Perhaps more importantly, it allows me to experience your genuine affection for one another and your strong desire for both spiritual feeding and opportunities to employ your God-given gifts.
At each of the 11 gatherings I have attended thus far, I have heard an expressed desire to continue small group opportunities as a way of enhancing and deepening relationships among members and to meet real needs. Expect to hear more about this soon as the various church ministry teams are encouraged to develop small group opportunities at the church and elsewhere in the community.
The second question is, “Why would anyone want to hear what I have to say? I’m not formally a member anyway.” I care about what you have to say and others have demonstrated at these gatherings that they want to hear how others experience worship and ministry here. Whether friend, visitor, or member, each can help inform and shape how we invite others to join us in our spiritual walk, worship together, and minister to others. You lessen that transformation by withholding your thoughts, experiences, and dreams. I therefore invite you to take the risk and join one of the upcoming Ohana Gatherings.
“What will you do with the information?” The Transition Team is already collating information received to date and is looking for trends and opportunities to pass on to LCH ministries, the Call Committee, and the Congregation
My additional response to the last question is another: “What will you do with the information?” As Pastor David Barber often reminded you, this is YOUR congregation, YOUR ministry to the glory of God. I encourage you to ask yourselves what themes you hear, what needs are expressed, what possibilities are opened up, what dreams can be made realities.
You should know that, despite severe declines in funds to our synod that resulted in the elimination of one of three staff positions and a reduction in the travel budget, our Bishop agreed that it was important he send his assistant to support us at this stage in the interim process. During her week here, Pastor Karen Parker attended several LCH activities, provided our call committee with training and information on candidates, preached, and led a forum about the call process between services. I want to publicly thank them for such stellar support.
Now that the Call Committee has names, there is some new excitement in the air. While no one yet knows who your next pastor might be or when s/he will arrive, clearly there is much to be done in enhancing the ministry and processes of LCH to which s/he will be invited.
Stewardship, an “R-rated” term for many, is one of those areas you have told me needs addressing. I have thus recommended to the Finance Committee and church council that we take a comprehensive approach to stewardship this year through a full-blown campaign.
As you read of the plan elsewhere in the Heart Beat, I encourage you to give the committee your full support and to prayerfully consider your involvement. Please contact one of them if you are interested in assisting with the campaign.
One of the things I must always keep in mind as your interim pastor is that everything I do can make it easier or more difficult for the next pastor. In the interest of enhancing communication with you, I want you to know that I have invited Pastor Fritz Fritschel to continue to contribute to the life and ministry of the Congregation as he is interested and able. Per ELCA policy, ordained pastors not called to a congregation, including those who retire and remain, shall not exercise ministry functions there unless invited to do so by the pastor. (That policy will apply to me when I conclude my ministry here, too.) He and I have agreed that this verbal contract is for the time of my pastorate and must be renegotiated with the new pastor. Pastor Fritz and Carol have much to teach me, and I have much to learn. I trust you will support that agreement.
Thank you for the support and encouragement you have given me. I look forward to exploring with you more of the ways in which we can minister to each other and the children of God in Hawaii and beyond.
Pastor Steven Jensen
Call Committee and Intentional Interim update
The Call Committee: (L–R) Bob Zimmer, Anna Womack, Jimmy Castro, Linda Miller, Cami Kloster, Don Person
Please pray daily for the Call Committee as they seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in their work on our behalf. Pray also that the heart of our next shepherd may be opened to receiving God’s call for ministry to and with us.
Confirmation
Weekly training is with Calvary by the Sea in Aina Haina on Wednesdays, beginning at 6:00 pm and concluding at 8:00 pm.
The next Hukilau confirmation event is on October 1 from 4:30 to 7:00 pm at Joy of Christ Lutheran in Aiea.
Finance Report
Michael Burnett
The summer months were lean times for our LCH operating finances; but the August 31 report shows a much improved, financial position.
| Total Income for August | $ 42,811.04 | |
| Total Expenses for August | $ 20,780.02 | |
| Balance | $ 22,031.02 | |
| Year-to-date Income | $236,617.21 | |
| Year-to-date Expenses | $223,300.76 | |
| Balance | $ 13,316.45 |
Almost $14,000.00 of the August income was from Poki Lot parking, which will not be due again until late December.
Stewardship Campaign
Stewardship is more than a one-Sunday a year event at which members pledge a portion of their treasure towards a church’s budget. Stewardship is an attitude of thanksgiving all year long and a regular intention to use what God has given us to his glory.
While prayerful consideration of your financial donation is certainly encouraged to assist the finance committee in determining our budget for the upcoming year, the stewardship campaign will also ask you to prayerfully consider how you might contribute of your time and talent to ministries at, through, or beyond LCH.
This year’s campaign will thus begin the first Sunday of October with one of our committees presenting a short “temple talk” during the service, followed by that committee conducting that day’s adult forum between services. The series will continue into November, to be concluded by two sequential stewardship Sundays when you will be asked to return pledge cards for time, talent, and treasure. Between services on November 19 and 26 there will be a Ministry Fair at which you will be able to talk in more detail with committee and ministry representatives. Thus those not able to attend one Sunday will have an alternate opportunity.
Information will be mailed to you and posted on the LCH website as it is developed, including pledge cards.
To assist the finance committee in preparing the 2007 budget proposal, all committees, task forces and ministries are asked to submit their requests for funding by October 11.
You are welcome and encouraged to join the newly forming stewardship committee in preparing and conducting this special ministry.
“We give thee but thine own,
whate’er the gift may be.
All that we have is thine alone,
a trust, O Lord, from thee.
May we thy bounties thus
as stewards true receive,
And gladly, as thou blessest us,
to thee our first fruits give.”
Evangelical Lutheran Worship hymnal is coming!
On Sunday, October 1, a table with a display will be set up in the courtyard for you to purchase hymnals. If we order before October 2, we’ll be able to take advantage of the discounted price of $17.50 (rather than $20.00) and FREE shipping. Bookplates will be available to purchase hymnals “in honor” or “in memory” of loved ones.
Writers’ Workshop
Writers’ Workshop will meet next, on Monday, October 9 in the Pastor’s office at the Lutheran Church of Honolulu. All are welcome!
Our schedule for the remainder of the fall season: (Mondays) November 6 and December 4, 2006.
For more information contact Kathryn Klingebiel through the church office (941-2566) or email her at <kathrynklingebiel@yahoo.com>..
In Stitches needs Kukui Nuts
Three members of In Stitches, Linda Miller, Mary-Jo Estes, and Biz Person, share fellowship and love of stitching.
In Stitches, the LCH craft group has started to make lei to give to visitors at our services. We need old kukui nut lei to take apart and use for finishing touches. Bring your lei on Sunday and leave them on the announcement table for Linda Miller to pick up, or on weekdays, drop them off at the LCH Administrator’s Office.
Come to our meetings every second and fourth Saturday and learn to make a ribbon or yarn lei, or work on your own craft or a church project. The meeting dates are as follows...October 14 and 28, November 11 and 25. Also, come and enjoy the fellowship.
Ohana Gatherings
(L-R) Lois Swift, Pastor Steve Jensen, Mark Russell, Rudy Riingen, Susan Burns, and Jean Geil attended the Ohana Gathering at the home of Carl and Kathy Crosier.
Olivia Castro and her Transition Team members invite you to sign up for a small group meeting in your home to get to know one another and provide information that will be of value for the intentional interim and for the new pastor. Please sign up on the clipboard in the courtyard for one of the scheduled events.
Ohana Gatherings are listed in the calendar.
Property Committee
Chairman Jean-Paul Klingebiel needs volunteers to assist him on the Property Committee. Several of you noted the fun you had working together and chatting at our “demolition days.” Look for information next month on a workday to tackle a list of projects at the church. To volunteer your services or for more information, contact Jean-Paul through the church office (941-2566).
It's Gold Tree Season at LCH!
TAKE A HIKE!!
The OYEA Ministry youth will be participating in an event right here in our own back yard. The “PU‘U PIA DEVOTIONAL HIKE” in Manoa Valley will be on Saturday, October 21. This is a novice hike suitable for beginners. It’s a 2-mile round trip with an elevation gain of 500 feet. The trail is well maintained, the climb is gradual, and the views are well worth the effort.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to show your support for our youth as well as participate in a spiritual gathering and a walk for your “health”?
Although OYEA age limit begins with 6th graders, we are encouraging participation by all our members, young and old, to show your support of this newly formed group. So come on down!
Each participant will need hiking boots/shoes/running shoes (with thread), socks, light-weight shirt, pants/shorts (jeans not recommended), backpack with sack lunch/snack and a liter of water; also, a poncho, if you hate to get wet.
Keep in Your Prayers...
| Arlene | Erik | Joan | Lorie | Stephen | |
| Jean | Ulu | Maxim | Elin | MALS-24 (Kaneohe) Marines | |
| Jackie | Jolene | Man-Hua | Yuko | Jerry |
Parking Lot Monitor
Coleen Howard, Parish Administrator, is looking for a part-time person to monitor the Poki Lot, weekday mornings, ten hours a week, at $6.75 per hour. Call 941-2566 if you or someone you know is interested.
The Power Game II: Imperialism vs. Counter Imperialism
Fritz Fritschel
Power Game II is a continuing discussion of the relationship of theology and politics in regards to the concept of power. The review is made from a Process Thought perspective, presented by Fritz Fritschel. Even if you missed the first Power Game presentation, you can still benefit by coming on Saturday, October 14th, from 9:30 am to 11:00 am. How can divine power and political power be reconciled? Or can they? Open to any interested person(s).
Lunch Bunch
Stephanie Miller
This group meets for lunch at a variety of locations following 10:30 worship on the third Sunday of each month. The first meeting is on October 15 at 12:30 pm. The location will be decided on a month-to-month basis, choosing a different place each month. The dates are as follows...October 15, November 19 and December 17. If you have any questions, please call Stephanie Miller through the church office (941-2566).
We need the Yarn back
In Stitches is running short of yarn for the needlepoint pillows. If you have a church cushion you have not been working on, could you return some of the yarn? Contact Linda Miller through the church office (941-2566).
What’s new on the LCH website?
Bill Potter
The main change you will notice on our website is the creation of a separate “Youth” subsection within the “Children and Youth” section. We want everyone in the congregation to know about all the new activities with other ELCA congregations through the joint confirmation program and O.Y.E.A. (Oahu Youth Events and Activities), and we think this new Youth section can let those outside LCH learn that this is a happening place.
Some of you may also be aware that our website (more specifically, our web-hosting service’s server) was hacked in late August. As a result, our files were moved to a newer, faster (and we hope, more secure) server. We thought everything was fine, but in early September the domain name server (DNS, the service that translates web addresses people can read into the IP numbers computers use) started pointing back to the old server, so people were getting old information. After several calls to tech support, we got this fixed, but the problem resurfaced about a week later. We hope that it has been completely resolved, but to make sure, we replaced the web pages on the old server with “redirects” that will take people to the current server and our up-to-date information.
Candidate for Ministry
Jacob Burkman is currently going through the candidacy process for ministry in the ELCA and intends to start Luther Seminary this summer. LCH has wholeheartedly endorsed his request to Pacifica Synod. Look for Jacob to be increasingly involved at LCH in the coming months. Take a moment to chat with him about his plans and offer your encouragement.
Center Stage performance
Kyra Ann will perform on Monday, October 30, at 6:30 pm in a Halloween Concert at Ward Warehouse-Center Stage under the Old Spaghetti Factory. All are invited to attend.
Pray for...
- Michael Burnett upon the loss of his mother.
- Arlene Buss awaiting medical test results.
- Georgine Stark hospitalized at Kapiolani awaiting healthy childbirth.
Pacifica Synod Assembly in Hawaii
For the first time in the 20-year history of Pacifica Synod, the assembly will meet in Hawaii, May 2-5, 2007 at the Waikiki Marriott. Hundreds of volunteers will be needed to support the event, including hosting buses of visitors who will stop at our church for lunch and get a presentation on our unique ministry.
Go to www.pacificasynod.org to view a video presentation and the information already available to mainland churches.
Hukilau news
Fall Assembly will be held at St. John Lutheran Church in Kailua on October 14 from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm.
“When Is It Enough?”, the first of a series of issues for “baby boomers” and their parents, will be held at Joy of Christ in Aiea on November 12 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. Mark your calendar now and look for additional information next month.
Mozart Vespers
Carl Crosier conducts a rehearsal for Mozart Vespers held on September 24. In celebration of the composer’s 250th birthday, the LCH Choir and Bach Chamber Orchestra presented Mozart’s “Vesperae solennes de confessore, K.339” “Exsultate, jubilate, K. 165” and “Ave verum corpus, K. 618.” to an overflow crowd of approximately 275 attendees. Soloists included Vicki Gorman, Mary Kubota, Rachel Lentz, Naomi Castro, Wayne “Doc” Wilson, and Keane Ishii. Katherine Crosier played the “Organ Fantasia in F minor, K. 608.”
IHS Fundraiser—used ink cartridges and old cell phones
Drop your used printer ink cartridges and old cell phones (handsets and batteries only) at the LCH Administrator’s office or in a drop box located at the church. Two companies will turn the cartridges and cell phones into CASH, and the proceeds will go to support IHS Meals for the homeless.
The minimum we can send in to the two companies is 50 cartridges and 35 cell phones. So far, we’ve collected 38 cartridges and 28 cell phones.
The Angel Network needs your assistance
The Angel Network, hosted at Calvary by the Sea, is the Hukilau’s food bank for feeding the homeless and destitute. Demand continues to increase, so please consider including them in your regular grocery shopping. Bring cooked meat items and other food and toiletry items to church on Sundays.
The Angel Network needs your assistance on Thursdays and/or Fridays to stock shelves and fill grocery bags. Contact Nikki Silverstein through the Church Office (941-2566) to volunteer.
October Birthdays
| John Purtzer | 10/03 | |
| Akiyo Takamune | 10/05 | |
| Ingrid Weeks | 10/05 | |
| Lois Watanabe | 10/07 | |
| Joe Suske | 10/08 | |
| Dot Hutchins | 10/09 | |
| Paul Benco | 10/10 | |
| Jacob W. | 10/12 | |
| Stephen Miller | 10/14 | |
| Karen Roberts-Ogawa | 10/17 | |
| Sophia S. | 10/19 | |
| Mahina W. | 10/19 | |
| Katherine Crosier | 10/24 | |
| Lynn Juvinall | 10/25 | |
| Campbell Mansfield | 10/26 | |
| Randy Castello | 10/28 | |
| Jan Flachsbart | 10/28 | |
| Linde S. | 10/29 |
LCH Worship Participants
Heart Beat Deadline
Next Heart Beat Deadline is Tuesday, October 17!
Calendar: October 2006
- Sunday, October 1—Sunday 26 • Time after Pentecost
- 8:00 AM Holy Communion
- 9:10 AM Learning Ministries
- 10:30 AM Choral Eucharist
- Noon Ohana Gathering—Castro’s
- 4:30 PM Confirmation—Joy of Christ
- 8:30 PM Pre-Compline Discussion
- 9:00 PM Compline
- Tuesday, October 3
- 6:00 PM Learning Ministry
- Wednesday, October 4
- 6:30 PM Confirmation—Calvary
- 7:30 PM Young Adult Bible Study
- Thursday, October 5
- 7:00 PM LCH Choir Rehearsal
- Sunday, October 8—Sunday 27 • Time after Pentecost
- 8:00 AM Holy Communion
- 9:10 AM Learning Ministries
- 10:30 AM Choral Eucharist
- 8:30 PM Pre-Compline Discussion
- 9:00 PM Compline
- Monday, October 9—Discoverer’s Day Holiday—Office Closed
- 7:00 PM Writer’s Workshop
- Tuesday, October 10
- 6:30 PM Worship & Music
- Wednesday, October 11
- 12:30 PM Finance Committee
- 6:30 PM Confirmation—Calvary
- 7:30 PM Young Adult Bible Study
- Thursday, October 12
- 7:00 PM LCH Choir Rehearsal
- Saturday, October 14
- 9:00 AM In Stitches
- 3:00 PM OYEA Meeting—St. John
- Sunday, October 15—Sunday 28 • Time after Pentecost
- 8:00 AM Holy Communion
- 9:10 AM Learning Ministries
- 10:30 AM Choral Eucharist
- 12:30 PM Lunch Bunch
- 5:00 PM Ohana Gathering—Jerelyn/Kalau’s
- 8:30 PM Pre-Compline Discussion
- 9:00 PM Compline
- Tuesday, October 17
- 9:00 AM Heart Beat Deadline
- 6:00 PM Executive Committee
- 6:30 PM Council Meeting
- Wednesday, October 18
- 6:30 PM Confirmation—Calvary
- 7:30 PM Young Adult Bible Study
- Thursday, October 19
- 7:00 PM LCH Choir Rehearsal
- Friday, October 20
- 1:30 PM Prepare IHS Meals
- 5:30 PM Serve IHS Meals
- Saturday, October 21
- 9:15 AM OYEA Hike
- Sunday, October 22—Sunday 29 • Time after Pentecost
- 8:00 AM Holy Communion
- 9:10 AM Learning Ministries
- 10:30 AM Choral Eucharist
- 8:30 PM Pre-Compline Discussion
- 9:00 PM Compline
- Wednesday, October 25
- 9:00 AM Heart Beat Mailing
- 6:30 PM Confirmation—Calvary
- 7:30 PM Young Adult Bible Study
- Thursday, October 26
- 7:00 PM LCH Choir Rehearsal
- Saturday, October 28
- 9:00 AM In Stitches
- Sunday, October 29—Reformation Sunday
- 8:00 AM Holy Communion
- 9:10 AM Learning Ministries
- 10:30 AM Choral Eucharist
- 8:30 PM Pre-Compline Discussion
- 9:00 PM Compline
- Tuesday, October 31—Reformation Day/Happy Halloween!
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