The HeartBeat

A Message from Pastor Jeff

Thank You

As summer begins to bloom, many of you are beginning to take well-deserved vacations and other times of rest. As programming at LCH winds down a little bit, I would like to take a moment to thank all of you for hard work and to ask you once again for some help.

First, thank you! Our ministry continues to grow and thrive because God’s Spirit is working through all of us as we gather for worship, service, and fellowship. Many of you give your time, money, and talents in service to God and each other for this ministry. Mahalo nui loa!

The most obvious servants are those you see each Sunday in leadership roles—the choir, ushers, acolytes, communion assistants, cantors, musicians, assisting ministers, soloists, and Sunday School teachers. But before you ever step on the property, and long after you head to lunch, there is a legion of others who give their gifts with joy and make our time together so special. Volunteers set up tables and prepare the fellowship food, assemble the bulletins, prepare the altar, wash and iron altar linens and purificators, sweep the walks and straighten the pews—just to get ready for worship! Afterward, volunteers clean up the fellowship items, lock the parking lot and gates, count the offering, and deposit it in the bank. Mahalo nui loa!

Less obvious are those people you never really see working quietly and faithfully on your behalf throughout the month. Congregational Council members each have responsibilities for leadership in the congregation. They have worked tirelessly to secure the photovoltaic panels being installed on the roof (special thanks go to Steve Miller on this project), support committees, come in during the week to sign checks, plan for our future, recruit volunteers, and work with staff. Olivia has been a diligent president whose skills in process are very much appreciated. Together with staff, committee chairs and their committees plan and execute almost every social and service function in our congregation. In addition, they write articles for and edit The HeartBeat, assist with gardening and landscaping on the campus, and—in the case of one very special volunteer—maintain our wonderful website! Mahalo nui loa!

Last, but not least, many, many thanks are due to our staff. Carl, Kathy, Allen, Kanani, Carmela, and Alex are all doing a wonderful job! They are here to serve you and help you in any way and always come through. Mahalo nui loa!

Finally, although many volunteers do so much to make our ministry alive and faithful, most of the work often falls on too few hands. As leaders, the Council and I are committed to doing a better job of asking for your help. We realize that a note in the bulletin or even this article is not going to motivate you to volunteer. However, if our congregation is to grow in our ministry, in our proclaiming of the Gospel and our service to the community, the considerable work ahead must be shared by many hands. If you have gifts for leadership, please give serious consideration to serving on council or a committee. Volunteer to take on a small job through our emerging “Small Things Count” program.

If you would like to volunteer, call Pastor Jeff or Olivia Castro, and we will work with you to find the right ministry opportunity for you, or just say yes when asked to serve. It will make all the difference. Mahalo nui loa!

Pastor Jeff Lilley
pr.jeff@lchwelcome.org

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June Council Meeting Highlights

The LCH Council met Tuesday, June 15. Highlights included:

• The photovoltaic contract was approved, and work has begun on the roof.
• Search for a new Cantor will be two phases: 1) A task force will survey congregation on their wish list, and results will be compiled by end of this summer. 2) This information will feed the call committee (TBD). The search begins this fall, and ideally the candidate would be selected by February or March, 2011.
• Fellowship and Social Ministry to hold joint Food Drive Friday, July 9, 6:00 PM.
• The Stewardship Committee needs a chair. See Pastor Jeff or Mary Fastenau if interested!

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OYEA Summer Camp 2010

Camp Erdman on the North Shore
June 27–July 2 (Sunday–Friday)

Our junior and senior high youth (7th–12th graders) will be at Summer Bible Camp at Camp Erdman on the North Shore the week of June 27. A coalition of Oahu congregations are hosting this week of faith-enriching outdoor ministry opportunities. Get ready for a week of fun, fellowship, and faith-based activities to learn about God’s Word with the theme “Jesus Said.” Some activities you can expect: camp fires, cabin challenges, Bible studies, live music, and more!

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Aloha from Sunny Seattle —

On Tuesday, June 29, 31 middle school choir girls from Seattle will descend on Honolulu for a week’s tour. This is the choir “Vivace,” one of the seven choirs that make up the 300-member Northwest Girlchoir organization. Beth-Ann Bonnecroy directs “Vivace”; I am a staff accompanist. For more info, visit <www.northwestgirlchoir.org>.

In addition to singing for worship at LCH on July 4, the girls will be singing at St. Andrew’s Cathedral on Wednesday, June 30, at 12:15 PM, and at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church that evening at 7:00 PM. There other concert is at Calvary by the Sea Lutheran Church at 7:00 PM on Friday, July 2. We hope to have good audiences!

A preview of their tour program is available at <gallery.me.com/erikfloan/100007>. We look forward to sharing this talented group with you.

Erik Floan

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Potluck for the Northwest Girlchoir on July 4th

The Northwest Girlchoir will be singing at our services on Sunday, July 4th. The LCH choir is hosting a potluck and time for fellowship with the Northwest Girlchoir after worship on July 4. Please bring a pot luck dish. Suggested dishes by last name are:

We are in need to people to help set up and clean up, as well. Mahalo for you kokua!

Jimmy & Olivia Castro

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Angel Network—Gather in Giving!

The June 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 July 4th.

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Leadership Roundtable

Sunday, July 11th, at 10:30 AM, the chair or another representative of each committee will meet in Pastor Jeff’s office with Council President Olivia Castro. This meeting, repeated each month (usually on the first Sunday), is to enhance communications among committees. See you there!

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Be Fed and Feed the Hungry

Combination Pau Hana & Food Drive
Friday, July 9th, 6:00 PM at LCH

The focus will really be on food during the Pau Hana gathering to be held on Friday, July 9th. We will feed ourselves and friends beginning at 6:00 PM on the LCH campus. Hot dogs and hamburgers will be provided. Please bring side dishes and enthusiasm.

We will also use this opportunity to feed others. We would like to encourage people to bring a food or monetary donation to the event. The money and food will go to the Hawai‘i Foodbank. What are the needs for the Foodbank?

• Money—Every $10 you donate allows the Foodbank to distribute 25 meals. If you want to write a check, please make it to Lutheran Church of Honolulu and put Hawaii Foodbank in the subject line.
• Canned Goods—The most popular canned goods are canned meats and tuna; meals such as spaghetti, chili, or corned beef hash; soup; vegetables; and fruits.

We also plan to feed your soul with some delightful entertainment. Watch the Sunday inserts for more details.

This event is brought to you as a joint project of the Fellowship and Social Ministries committees. See you on July 9!

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Garage Sale/Moving Sale

Luther Place & LCH

Got some paintings, furniture, or extra items that you would like to sell? Well, Luther Place tenants are having a garage sale/moving sale, and LCH members are welcome to join.

Michael Burnett is moving officially to Thailand and will be in Hawaii till July 15. He has paintings, cabinets, chests, sofa, two sets of arm chairs, ceramic sculptures, lamps, and other miscellaneous items. Tenants of Luther Place will also have items for sale.

Please mark your calendars for July 9th and 10th. The July 9th sale will begin at 6:00 PM, and the Saturday sale will begin at 10:00 AM.

Parking is available in the church lot and if any LCH members or friends would like to join in, you are welcome. For more info call the LCH office at 941-2566. Because of events at LCH, the sale will be held at Luther Place.

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Mahalo for Two New Cushions!

Penny Lawhn and Stephanie Luuloa have both finished new pew pillows. Penny’s has a Joseph theme and Stephanie’s is an image from one of the Narnia books. Check out the full story on the LCH website, or ask one of these crafty ladies to tell you about them.

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Mahalo to Helping Hands

The LCH office would like to thank Lori Nishimura for helping deliver LCH donations to Angel Network at Calvary by the Sea. Thanks also go to Mary-Jo Estes for being the gatekeeper for the Punahou student parking this past academic year. Much appreciation for your help!

Thanks to Jim Sullivan and April Smith for your help with the restroom stalls. We appreciate your work to make them a bit more stable until they are repaired. A big mahalo to both of you for your continued service to the LCH.

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Process Thought Forum Resumes in September

Process Forums will resume in September with some new areas for discussion. On the list of suggested topics are the relationship between Process Theology and Jungian Psychology, Process Thought and the encounter with aspects of Islamic thought, our usual attention to selected poetry, and several others. One of the valuable and attractive aspects of Process Thought is its ability and need to dialogue with various disciplines.

If you have any areas which you would like considered for discussion, let Fritz know. Hope to see you in the Fall.

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Search for Committee Chair

Are you called to make a real difference in the life of LCH? The Stewardship Committee is looking for a committee chairperson to lead team in upcoming Stewardship events. It’s a fun committee that plays an important role in our church ministry. If you are interested, please contact Mary Fastenau or Pastor Jeff. Mahalo!

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Photovoltaic Project Update

The photovoltaic project is currently underway, with phase one of the project—washing and painting our flat roof areas—completed on June 18th. Phase two of the project is tree trimming, followed by phase three, which is panel installation.

GreenPath found no problem areas with the roof, and no leaks were reported after they power washed the roof to prep it for painting.

LCH is now looking to do some tree trimming that will allow the panels to get more of the available sunlight. Steve Miller and Pastor Jeff met with GreenPath to see which trees needed to be trimmed to allow panels to get its highest production.

Phase three will be completed during the last week of July, while the Preschool will be on a 1-week break. Please be aware that construction will be happening during this time.

Mahalo to all who have contributed to this project. Your time and service to the LCH are greatly appreciated!

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Communication Planning Begins

In the weeks following our congregational Planning Retreat on May 1, several of us have come back over and over again to the question of how we can get the word out in the larger community about all that we do here at LCH. Realizing that careful planning is the key, a dozen interested members met on Saturday, June 19, to begin work on a strategic plan for external communication. The group included congregational leaders, members of the Communication Committee, and marketing and advertising professionals from the congregation.

Our approach was to start by identifying target groups in the larger community we believe would be receptive to our message. We then discussed possible strategies for reaching each group and bringing individuals into the LCH ‘ohana. The groups identified during this process included military families, LGBT community, families with young children, music lovers, university students and faculty, political progressives, and visitors. Once strategies are delineated, we can prioritize activities and begin implementing the most important, potentially productive, and doable initiatives.

There is more work to do, so tasks were assigned, and the group will meet again in late July. Once the external communication plan is on track, we will turn our attention to internal communication.

If you have suggestions for the group or would like to be a part of the team, please speak with Carol Langner, Communication Committee chair, Bill Potter, or Pastor Jeff.

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Announcement Guidelines

1. Those wishing to make the congregation aware of ministry opportunities are encouraged to write an announcement for the Sunday bulletin or The HeartBeat. This is the preferred method of communication. Bulletin announcements need to be in the church office by Tuesday prior to the Sunday service, and announcements to The HeartBeat by the newsletter deadline.
2. When verbal announcements are necessary, the following guidelines should be followed:
   1. Those desiring to make an announcement need to check with the pastor prior to the service.
   2. Announcements are to be brief and to the point.
   3. Announcements need to pertain to the ministry of the congregation or mission opportunities beyond our congregation.

Worship and Music Committee

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What’s New on the LCH Website?

Bill Potter, Webmaster

Summer time, and even at the LCH website, it seems like “the livin’ is easy.” In the last month, the only changes noted on the site’s “What’s New?” page are two new pew cushions and pictures of the root beer floats on June 6 and serving dinner at IHS.

But don’t let the calm fool you. There is something going on. During the last part of June, we added software to host blogs on are own website, and several blogs have already been started.

Many of you probably visited Pr. Jeff’s blog for his German adventure and got to see Jeff’s pictures and read about the places he visited and things he did. It was a great blog, but the only connections to LCH were links from the Congregational Life section of our web site and the LCH Facebook page.

By adding some blogging software called WordPress to our site, we are now able to host blogs with LCH URLs that look like they belong with our other pages. It also makes it possible for individuals and groups at LCH to have their own blogs.

Blogs can enhance our web presence in two different ways. First, because blogs most often take a relaxed, chatty approach, they can provide an effective corrective to the perception of church goers as uptight and judgmental. Second, because blogging software allows individuals to post directly to the web without having to learn HTML, we can be represented on the web by a variety of different voices.

The first LCH blogger to step up was Kathy Crosier, who decided to document the behind-the-scenes activity in connection with next year’s exhaustive (and exhausting) schedule of concerts and special worship services in honor of Carl’s last year at LCH. Remembering the way former pastor David Barber talked about his first year when we did Bach’s St. Matthew Passion, I suggested she call her blog “Another Year of Insanity.”

Kathy also reports that Carl is beginning a project to document all the concerts and special worship services from him 30 years at LCH, so that may become our second blog.

And as The HeartBeat went to press, another member has stepped up forward with a great idea for a blog.

The WordPress software allows us to have an unlimited number of blogs, so talk to Pastor Jeff or me to unleash your inner blogger.

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Prayer Requests

Carl	Ruth
Gene	Shane
Karen	Stan
Susan

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July Birthdays

Date	Name
7/02	David Del Rocco
7/02	Linda Quarberg
7/05	Craig Clissold
7/07	Ann De Vallee
7/08	Linda Miller
7/09	Kathy Shibuya
7/10	Bobby Broyles
7/12	Steve Jensen
7/12	Norm Gibson
7/13	Melissa H.
7/16	Whitney Walker
7/17	Bill Potter
7/19	Shane S.
7/20	Marian Myers
7/20	Audrey Keller
7/23	Karen Fay
7/24	Savannah M.
7/25	Patricia Chamberlain
7/25	Lori Nishimura
7/25	Georgine Stark
7/26	Eric Lentz
7/28	Tomi Haehlen
7/28	Irmgard Hörmann
7/29	Bob Zimmer
7/31	Paul Kath
7/31	Kendall McCreary

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Heart Beat Deadline

Next Heart Beat Deadline is Tuesday, July 20!

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Heavenly Humor

Signs & wonders

Sign outside an Ormond-by-the-Sea, FL, church: “There are some questions that can’t be answered by Google.”

—via George Goldtrap

Sign outside Lakeside Lutheran Church, Maplewood, MN: “Now open between Christmas and Easter.”

—via Duane Zwiers, No. St. Paul, MN

Sign outside Covenant Moravian Church, York, PA: “Come early for a good back seat.”

—via Rev. Dean Jurgen

Humor for the hard times

George and Peggy Goldtrap of Ormond-by-the-Sea, FL, suggest that the following definitions should be added to the next edition of Webster’s Dictionary:

Committee: A body that keeps minutes and wastes hours.

Adult: A person who has stopped growing at both ends and is now growing in the middle.

Yawn: An honest opinion openly expressed.

The Health and Prosperity Gospel: The Big-time Credit Card Debt Gospel.

The following quotes were taken from the actual job performance evaluations of employees:

—via Pastor Dale A. Schoening
Renwick, IA

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