The HeartBeat

A Message from Pastor Jeff

Enough is Enough

Going green is all the rage these days. From the executive branch of government to the executive offices on Wall Street it is suddenly stylish and desirable to use green cleaning products, drive green cars, and produce green products for eager consumers hoping to make a difference in the world, or at least assuage a little of that post-consumer-waste guilt. There is nothing wrong with the impetus to go green. The urge is long over due and will, if sustained, make a measurable difference in our life and our world. But in these infant days of the go-green movement, we sometimes miss an obvious first step as we map out our long journey toward sustainability. We forget that enough is enough. As corporations rush to be first with the latest green gadget and frontrunners in green technology, I am reminded of James and John, the disciples of Jesus (Mark 10:35).

One day when the disciples were walking along the road, the two of them asked Jesus to grant them whatever they asked. Jesus had just told them that they were going onto Jerusalem where the Son of Man would be killed and arise. Apparently, they mistook his words and thought that Jesus’ messianic ascension would lead to great power and riches. They then requested that Jesus grant them to sit at his right and left hand when he ascended in power. But they did not understand that Jesus’ lot would not be a crown of gold, but one of thorns; and his throne would come on a cross, not a gilded bench. The disciples, caught up in the moment, didn’t understand or appreciate the abundance they had and sought even more. Enough was not enough for them. Their intentions were good, but their execution was spotty.

As we seek to become more environmentally, fiscally, and spiritually sustainable, we might want to start with the very Biblical idea that enough is enough. Our addiction to over-consumption (says the rotund preacher) has led to some pretty crummy results. We are fatter, less healthy, more financially stressed, less connected with family and friends, and we spend more on things that do not bring life and are less generous than previous generations. Yet, we have bigger houses, more cars, gadgets galore, 24-7 connectivity, and access to health technology that will keep us alive even though we are a hair’s breadth from death. One might say that we live one long desire to share the throne of glory, even if it kills us and every generation after us. We might just need to take the advice of a very wise dietician who said “The first step to losing weight is pushing away from the table.” The first step is to realize that enough is enough.

James and John needed to be set free from the mistaken illusion that more power would bring them glory. (At the end of the Gospel of Mark they found two thieves sharing the places of honor at the right and left hand of the cross.) We need that same humility if we are to be effective and faithful stewards of the gift of creation. Only through the cross was the disciples’ notion of power transformed into meaningful and sustainable ministry. That same cross may beckon us to declare that enough is enough and take the step toward true sustainability that begins with a transformed heart.

I am so thankful and enthusiastic that we are finally beginning to understand that we have a role in the sustainability of our earth. God set the human ones as stewards over the earth to care for it and love it. All the green cleaners, clean energy, hybrid cars, and recyclable containers in the world will not be enough if our desire for more continues unabated. Enough is enough.

Pastor Jeff Lilley
pr.jeff@lchwelcome.org

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May Council Minutes

The LCH Council met on May 19, 2009. Here is a brief recap of the items discussed.

• Our General Endowment account has increased 4% in the last month on top of a 5% increase the previous month.
• For the month of April, plate offerings were good; we are catching up with budget.
• The mass mailing of our appeal letter to members, family, and friends was successful. We are already getting donations from these letters that were mailed in early May.
• Our Redeemer Lutheran Preschool will renew their contract with LCH for the 2009–2010 school year. Negotiations are underway.
• Punahou parking fee will increase for the 2009–2010 school year. We have a waiting list that is growing.

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Pau Kula Celebration June 5

It’s pau hana time, and this time it is pau kula time for Seth Lilley, Karyn Castro, and Marissa Castello. Join their families and friends in celebrating their graduations. The LCH ‘ohana is invited to the party at Ala Moana Beach Park the evening of Friday, June 5, beginning around 6:00 PM and staying for the fireworks. Food and drinks will be provided. Bring something to sit on.

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Angel Network—Gather in Giving!

The May in-gathering for the Angel Network was satisfying. A shopping cart with saimin, canned goods, Spam, and personal care items was collected for the Angel Network located at Calvary by the Sea Lutheran Church. Thank you for all your support. In-gatherings are scheduled for the first Sunday of each month, so your next opportunity to participate is June 7th.

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Brunch Potluck

The Fellowship Committee will be hosting a Brunch Potluck on Sunday, June 7th, after the 9:15 service. The committee will be furnishing a ham and dinner rolls. Please bring a dish to share as shown below:

Thanks,
Jeanette

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Leadership Roundtable

Sunday, June 7th, at 11:15 AM, following the brunch potluck, the chairperson or another representative of each committee will meet in the boardroom with Pastor Jeff and Council President Olivia Castro. This meeting, repeated the first Sunday of every month, is to enhance communications among committees. See you there!

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In Stitches is Building up its Inventory

We have had so many wonderful visitors the last few weeks that we are dangerously low on leis. If you are one of our faithful suppliers, could you pick up the ribbon at church and craft a few for us? If you would like to learn how to make the ribbon lei, we would love to teach you.

In Stitches, the LCH craft group, meets the second and the fourth Saturday of every month from 9 to 11 AM in the boardroom. We welcome all to enjoy fellowship while working with our hands. You can bring your own project or work on a craft/create something for the church. The next two meeting are June 13 and 27. We will take a break for the month of July.

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Process Thought Forum

The June session of the Process Forum group will look at an article by John Cobb, Jr. entitled “Marx and Whitehead.” A benefit of a Cobb article is that he writes very distinctly and knowledgeably. We expect to have a good and challenging discussion based on the ideas of two towering figures in the history of thought. We meet June 13th, the second Saturday of the month, at 9:30 AM at Lutheran Church of Honolulu with a repeat session on Sunday the 14th about 10:30. We often have newcomers, so do not hesitate to come if you can. Contact Fritz through the Church Office (941-2566) for further information.

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Social Ministry Events

Food Basket—Social Ministries has taken on a task in support of Save the Food Basket. We are asking our congregants to donate small bottles of dishwashing soap. These donations will be used by those who access support through Save the Food Basket. This organization provides food and other goods to clients who are in need due to their HIV disabilities. Social Ministries appreciates your help in this collection. Contact Bob Zimmer at 943-7961 if you have questions or would like to have him shop for you.

Bread For The World—The Social Ministries Committee will be holding a letter writing campaign for Bread For The World on June 7th. Letters will go out to our congressional delegation in Washington, D.C. to raise awareness for the need to support bills that assist with sustainability in third world countries. We would like to send hand written letters as they create a personal sense of involvement. Writing materials will be available. See you there!

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OYEA Events

June 6th—Join our beach clean up and environmental event at Maunalua Bay. We will meet at LCH at 1:30 PM. We will carpool to Calvary by the Sea. Please bring a hat, sunscreen, and reef walkers if you have them.

June 12th—Join the fun as we go snorkeling at Island Divers located in the Hawaii Kai Shopping Center near McDonald’s. We will meet at LCH at 4 PM. Don’t forget to bring snorkel equipment if you have it, towels, and change of clothes. Parent pick up is at 7:30 PM. Please submit your waiver form/permission slip.

June 27th—OYEA Day Camp for kids in grades 1-6 at Calvary by the Sea. The cost is $30. Registration forms are available at church or ask Pastor.

June 28th–July 3rd—OYEA Summer Camp at Camp Erdman. Cost is $350, but LCH will cover $250. If you need a full scholarship, Pastor may be able to provide the full amount. Registration forms are available at church every Sunday or Pastor can send them to you via email.

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Faithful Delegates Represent LCH at Synod Assembly

This year the Pacifica Synod Assembly was be held at Riverside, California from May 21st through 23rd.

We would like to extend a big mahalo to Jeanne Castello and Jim Niermann (on the left in this picture with Jeanne and former Interim Pastor Steve Jensen) for representing LCH at the Assembly this year. Your service to LCH is deeply appreciated. Synod information will be shared in the July HeartBeat. Again, many thanks to Jeanne and Jim.

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What’s New on the LCH Website?

Bill Potter, Webmaster

Last summer I reported that in early June 2008 the number of pages on our LCH website had reached 500. This month I want to let you know that during the first week of May the count went over 600!

This growth comes not only when new pages are added (such as the Earth Day slideshow added at the end of April) but also because much of the content is archived when new material is added. For example, every month when the new HeartBeat takes its place on the “Newsletter” link, the old one is archived for future reference. The same thing happens with the list of readings and music every month, the congregational life page every quarter, and the sermons and children’s conversations pages every season (or every two months during the long time after Pentecost). This means that our website acts as a repository for information about most of the things we do at LCH.

In the weeks following Easter, there have only been few additions to the website, but one change you will be able to see—and hear—is the addition of two YouTube videos featuring organist Kathy Crosier and our Beckerath organ, along with a number of audio files. You will find one of the videos embedded on the “Instruments” page (which you can get to from the “Music” page). A link to a new page with the other video and the audio files is also included on that page. In the future, we will also be adding video of our choirs.

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“Spiritual Phases” is Back (with Nursery Attendants)!

Some mothers of small children and choir members said they would have liked to attend the recently finished course on the Phases of Spiritual Development. Here’s another chance! While there is one service during the summer, we have arranged for the nursery attendants to stay for an hour after the single service so that parents and whoever desires can attend a repeat of the Seven Phases of Spiritual Development Course, led by Steve Miller. We will discuss our personal experiences and how they parallel the guidance of Christianity and many other religions. Please come, share your experiences of change in life, and learn what life might have in store for you next!

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Adult Forum Continues

All adult members and friends are heartily invited to sit in on our Adult Forums, which take place in the Boardroom following the 8:00 AM service (during the school year), and which will take place immediately following the one combined service (during the summer months).

Adult Forum will take off on May 31st for the Sunday School Fun Day and on June 7th, when the Fellowship Committee will be hosting a potluck brunch.

As described in the previous article, starting June 14th, Dr. Stephen Miller will reprise his “Spiritual Development” presentations.

Please join us for these informative (and oftentimes humorous) sessions!

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OYEA Sponsors Awesome Summer Camps for 2009

This year, the expert staff from Camp Wapogassette will provide leadership and programming for two camp opportunities.

OYEA Day Camp will be held June 27th at Calvary By the Sea Lutheran Church, 5339 Kalanianaole Highway, near Aina Haina. Camp hours will be 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. The camp is open to all children entering 1st–6th grades, and church members are encouraged to invite friends to attend! Enrollment is limited, so sign up early! The cost is $25 per participant. Limited scholarships are available.

OYEA Summer Camp will be held at Camp Erdman on the North Shore June 28th through July 3rd for those entering confirmation through senior year in high school. The very cool and experienced team from Camp Wapogassette in Wisconsin will once again lead our youth in faith formation, outdoor fun, and generally a great time as they hang out together on the beautiful North Shore of Oahu. This all-inclusive camp experience includes meals, activities, and lodging at Camp Erdman. Pastors from local ELCA congregations will share in the camp experience as well as be available for any needs as they arise. The camp will start at 2:00 PM on Sunday, June 28th, and conclude Friday, July 3rd, at noon. Cost of the camp is $350 per person. Limited scholarships are available.

Contact the Church Office (941-2566) for more information.

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LCH Golf Anyone?

This summer we are beginning a golfing ‘ohana. Just a fun way to share—“accepting golfers of all handicaps.”

Please let Peggy Anderson know if you are interested.

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Is E-HeartBeat for you?

Each month we produce a full-color electronic version of The HeartBeat for members and friends who prefer that format. E-HeartBeat is distributed by email and requires Adobe Reader.

If you’d like to switch to E-HeartBeat (or if you’d like to get it in addition to your hard copy), contact the Church Office at <lch@lchwelcome.org>.

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Aaron David Miller, Organist-Improvisateur

The Hawaii Chapter American Guild of Organists will present Aaron David Miller, organist, in concert on Friday, June 12th, at 7:30 PM at St. Andrew’s Cathedral. Aaron is the son of Lutheran theologian and former editor of The Lutheran magazine, The Rev. David Miller. He is also a former student of McNeil Robinson, who dedicated our organ at LCH in 1975. Aaron is a brilliant improvisateur—that is, he has the extraordinary ability of taking a submitted theme and instantly creating an entire organ symphony in four movements. He will also offer an improvised hymn concertato and will perform works by Bach, Ibert “Papillons,” and Dom Paul Benoit’s, “Carillon.” The concert is free but donations will be welcomed. For more information, contact Kathy Crosier through the Church Office (941-2566).

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Attendance and Offerings for Sunday, May 31, 2009 were not available at time of publication.

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Prayer Requests

Amalie	James	Lorie
Anita	Janae	Mark
Audrey	Jerry	Melvin
Christine	Jim	Paige
Dan	Joe	Ron
Emelda	Ken	Rosemary
Gary	Linda	Theresa

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June Birthdays

Date	Name
6/03	Kiyoko Nitz
6/03	Vincent Reid W.
6/04	LaVerne Rickard
6/04	Michael S.
6/05	Jaime Garcia
6/06	Crescent C.
6/07	Austin B.
6/09	Kathryn Klingebiel
6/09	John Bickel
6/09	Tyler K.
6/10	Mariam Sato
6/11	Diane Perushek
6/11	Susan Burns
6/11	John Moyer
6/13	Don Blanchard
6/14	Robert Ahlstrom
6/14	Randy Christensen
6/16	Maxwell W.
6/18	Seth Lilley
6/22	Joseph Pettit
6/24	Frank Haas
6/24	Timothy D.
6/26	Jeff Lilley
6/26	John Gibson
6/26	Sean D’Evelyn
6/27	Sylvia Hormann-Alper
6/27	Noah B.
6/29	Karen Barber
6/29	Paula Wheeler

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Heart Beat Deadline

Next Heart Beat Deadline is Tuesday, June 16!

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Heavenly Humor

Church Bulletin Blooper

Rev. Sally Bull, formerly of Faith Presbyterian Church in Cape Coral, FL, recalls that on an Easter Sunday she once attended a service in an unfamiliar church. “I was impressed,” she said, “that during the service the words of the announcements, scripture reading, and sermon were gracefully depicted in American Sign Language by a young woman facing the congregation. But the bulletin on that particular day proclaimed the services were being ‘interpreted for the dead and hearing impaired.’”

In the Marry Month of June:
Reflections on love, weddings and marriage

At a wedding rehearsal, a pastor whispered to the father of the bride, “As you give your daughter’s hand to the bridegroom, you should say something nice to him.” The next day, during the wedding ceremony, the father, a grocery story manager, took the pastor’s advice. He placed the bride’s hand on his son-in-law’s arm and said, “No deposit. No return.”

A young woman had dated her boyfriend for a long time without his ever mentioning marriage. Her boyfriend took her to a Chinese restaurant one day, and asked her, “How do you like your rice? Steamed or fried?” She looked at the menu and replied, “Thrown.”

—via Lois Ward, Longmont, CO

A man went to see his pastor about getting a divorce. The pastor, who knew the man’s wife, said, “Now why would you want to divorce such a lovely wife? She is soft and gentle and also beautiful. I don’t understand what you have to complain about.” The man took off his shoe and showed it to the pastor. “See this shoe,” he said. “The leather is soft and gentle and the craftsmanship is beautiful. But I’m the only one who knows it pinches.”

Comedian Red Skelton’s recipe for a good marriage:
“We always hold hands. If I let go, she shops.”

Eve: “Adam, do you love me?”
Adam: “Who else?”

Another perspective

A woman was driving home from a business trip in Arizona when she saw an old Navajo woman walking on the side of the road. She stopped the car and asked the Navajo woman if she would like a ride. With a silent nod of thanks, the old woman got into the car. The old woman sat silently through the trip until she noticed a brown bag on the driver’s seat.

“What’s in the bag?” she asked.

“It’s a bottle of wine,” the driver replied. “I got it for my husband.”

“Good trade,” the Navajo woman said.

—via Rev. Dr. Jim Moiso
Westminster Presbyterian Church, Portland, OR

—via Jeff Totten, Hammond, LA

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