The HeartBeat

A Message from Pastor Jeff

Zechariah’s Song

And you my child, will be called the prophet of the most high; for you will go before the Lord and prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to God’s people by the forgiveness of their sins. By the tender mercies of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

—Luke 1:76–79

Zechariah’s song is a wonderfully familiar and gracious text that seems most appropriate to read as we begin our Advent season. In the Gospel of Luke, Zechariah is filled with the Holy Spirit and sings this song ending a long period of silence. When we hear the song in scripture, it is difficult to tell whether Zechariah is singing about his newborn son or about Jesus whose birth follows immediately on the heals of this poem! But what is clear is that Zechariah sees a new world unfolding through God’s unexpected gift of a child, born to a poor young woman.

As we enter Advent, do we share Zechariah’s vision, hopefulness, and joyful resolve? Are we looking forward to justice, healing, and a new world, or are we satisfied with the state of the cosmos? I wonder, this Advent, what God might have in store for us that we cannot find in a store. Can we proclaim with Zechariah’s bold voice that God has not abandoned what God made? Can we sing a song of vision and hope? The madness of Advent is that it announces with certainty the very thing we are pressured to be unsure of in this broken world—that God is Immanuel. God is with us. For all our brokenness and imperfection God still chooses to come to us again and again in love. It may be that we fight the notion of God with our apathy, ignorance, mean spiritedness, bigotry, foolish suppositions, or petty crassness, but God still comes. Our worship may be silly or pretentious, our prayer self-centered or in odd form, our kindness to each other tarnished and we still make war, but God still comes. Whether we are busy, over-scheduled, hopeless, distracted, joyous, fulfilled, faithful,or peace-filled, God still comes.

And God is still raising up prophets who do not wait for some far off future but work now to bring the vision of the new kingdom. They stand against policies that marginalize the powerless and guide our feet to the way of peace. They raise up a voice so that the weak may be emboldened, and they gently encourage those of us who are ill equipped to face the troubles of life head on. These prophets write music and sing songs that lift us out of darkness into light. They care for the hungry and the houseless, and they pray for those who are the least and greatest in our midst.

We do share Zechariah’s vision in our church and in our congregation, though we might not always be aware of it. Through the ministries God has set us to, we have the privilege of being a part of God’s coming into the world each and every day. The dawn is indeed breaking on this new day in Advent, and the body of Christ proclaims again and again that God is indeed with us.

Aloha,
Pastor Jeff Lilley
pr.jeff@lchwelcome.org

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November Council Highlights

Council met Tuesday, November 20. Here are some of the highlights of the meeting:

• Council selected Miss Peggy Anderson as the highlighted volunteer for the December newsletter.
• Nominees for 2013 Council presented for congregational approval at annual meeting November 25.
• Punahou parking rentals continue to roll in. Anticipate full occupancy at start of spring semester.
• Transition Team for Pastor Angela has hosted four of the five ‘ohana gatherings. Input by members has been very appreciated.
• Since the PV installation, system has avoided 84,713.75 kg of CO₂, with a total yield of 121,019.64 kWh.
• Mahn family has designated LCH as a beneficiary for their trust fund. To be further discussed as paperwork is processed.
• 2013 draft budget approved for congregational review at annual meeting. Bottom line has increased exactly 3% from last year’s budget.

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Jesse Tree 9:10 AM

Sunday December 2, 9, 16, & 23

Every Advent the Children of LCH present their own version of the Jesse Tree, based on Jesse Tree: Advent Song and Paraliturgies for Children by Denis J. Newman (Chicago: GIA Publications, 2001). The presentation is led by Teresa McCreary, with help from all the Sunday School teachers. It lasts about 15 minutes. Come join us during Advent for this very special sharing from our children.

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Sign up for Christmas Poinsettias

Please help us deck the halls for Christmas with a garden of poinsettia. Fill out the insert in the bulletin to donate a plant you can take home and enjoy after the Christmas services.

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Process Thought Forum

Saturday,, December 1, 2012 • 9:30–11:00 AM

Repeat session Sunday, December 2, at Noon.

For the December meeting of Process Thinkers the focus will be on “Biomimicry.” The article “Biomimicry: Starlings and the Internet” by Jay MacDaniel can help us focus on the issue. Find this article at <www.jesusjazzbuddhism.org/biomimicry-starlings-and-the-internet>. We will also look at a TED Talk by Janine Benyus, “The Promise of Biomimicry.”

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Adult Forum Smorgasbord

Please join us for Adult Forum’s educational nourishment which on upcoming Sundays will present:

• December 2: Adult Forum will discuss Martin Luther King, Jr.’s outstanding writing while incarcerated, his 1963 “Letter from the Birmingham Jail.” We will also view a well-made video during this discussion.
• December 9: Rev. Dr. Michael Ward from Oxford, England will discuss C.S. Lewis and Lewis’ writings, including the Screwtape Letters and the Narnia Chronicles.
• December 16: We will conclude our series on famous Christian prison writings (Tshenuwani Farisani, Saint Paul, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Martin Luther King, Jr.).

Please plan to attend each Sunday at 9:20 AM in the Boardroom! (Yes, you may bring your refreshments with you).

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Committee Chairs

It is time for the Annual Report! Please submit your committee’s yearly report to the LCH office by December 28. If you have further questions, please contact the office at 941-2566 or <lch@lchwelcome.org>.

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Hale Haumāna—Campus Ministry

Thank you to everyone who has helped to support Hale Haumāna this semester! Blessings to students and teachers who are finishing their course work and coming up to the winter break. The weekly Wednesday gatherings at the campus house (2324 Metcalf St.) will take a semester break after December 5. We’ll start back up again in January!

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Dr. Ward @ the Campus House! Narnia & The Hobbit!

Saturday, December 8, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Come and hear from Dr. Ward about the increasingly popular stories of Narnia and The Hobbit. With the new Hobbit moving coming out, this perfect timing to engage in something where our Christian faith intersects with popular culture!

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Mahalo to all of you who participated in our Build a Rainbow of Giving. Thirty-nine of you have formalized your commitment to LCH’s ministry in 2013. If you haven’t committed yet, cards are available in the usher stand and may be dropped in the offering plate. Or if you prefer, you may complete or download the forms online at <LCHwelcome.org/stewardship>. For those of you who expressed an interest in specific ministries, your information will be sent to the appropriate contact person. LCH is truly blessed by your gifts.

Thanks,
The Stewardship Committee

Confirmation

Classes are scheduled from 3:30–5:30 PM on Sunday, December 9 and 23. We’re continuing through our discussions on Lutheranism and what it means to belong to this particular tribe. Please let Pastor Angela know if you’re not able to be there.

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Scattegories, monopoly, uno and more!

The youth group is looking for a few brand new or gently used board and card games for the newly renovated youth room. Also, if anyone has a Wii or other video game you’d like to find a new home for, we’d welcome it too! If you would like to donate, please speak with Pastor Angela.

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Attention 20- and 30-somethings...

If you’re in or around your 20’s and 30s, you’re invited to game night here at LCH on Saturday, January 5, at 7:30 PM. Pupus, drinks, and games if you’re feeling playful! Come and get to know those around your age here at LCH. If you’re interested in helping to put this night together, contact Pastor Angela at <pr.angela@lchwelcome.org>.

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Wounded Warriors Softball Team Lunch

The Wounded Warriors Softball team, who have been touring the country raising awareness and hope for Wounded Warriors around the world, will be visiting O‘ahu in January, 2013. Lutheran Church of Honolulu has volunteered to provide lunch for the visiting team and their families on January 8, 2013, at the picnic area adjacent to the Hale Koa hotel. We need a team of faithful LCHrs to set up, cook, serve, and clean up after the event. If you would like to help, please contact Sarah at the Church office.

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LCH Adopts GSA Hawai‘i

Individuals and groups at Lutheran Church of Honolulu are serving community youth in a new and important way by sponsoring local chapters of Gay Straight Alliance in area high schools. Hawai‘i Gay Straight Alliance is an organization dedicated to supporting young people in Hawai‘i’s schools by promoting tolerance and acceptance. Each school club creates its own activities and events and the sponsorship funds many of those activities.

LCH’s own Mary Magdalene Society, along with seven individuals, have donated sufficient funds to sponsor four GSAs in local schools. LCH sponsors GSA Chapters at Kamehameha Schools, Farrington High School, Maui High School, and Kalani High School. The LCH logo will appear on the GSA chapter’s website. GSA Hawai‘i director Andrew Robels was surprised and pleased to see a faith community so dedicated to the dignity of gay, lesbian, and transgendered youth. He said in an email, “I never thought I would like a church this much!”

Thank you to our donors Peter Lee, Chuck Huxel and Nan Wond, Mike Formby, the Lilley family, Mary-Jo Estes, and our Mary Magdalene Society at Lutheran Church of Honolulu.

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Evening Prayer

Evening Prayer is a participatory half-hour service of hymns, prayers, readings, and choir music. The atmosphere will be quiet and meditative. Evening Prayer will fall on the first and third Sundays of the month unless there is another scheduled worship opportunity such as vespers. The third Sunday Evening Prayer will be preceded by Exploring Boundaries...and Beyond and dinner.

Here is the upcoming Sunday evening worship schedule:

• December 2, 7:30 PM—Advent Procession
• December 16, 7:30 PM—Evening Prayer
• January 6, 7:30 PM—Evening Prayer
• January 20, 7:30 PM—Evening Prayer
• February 3, 7:30 PM—Evening Prayer
• February 17, 7:30 PM—Evening Prayer

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Exploring Boundaries...and Beyond

Exploring Boundaries...and Beyond (EBB) provides an opportunity to explore ideas and values at the boundaries where our faith meets the rest of the world. The range of topics is intentionally broad, reflecting the scope of interests and concerns within our faith community. Our speakers, all recognized in their fields, are drawn from LCH, the universities, and the wider community. Bring your questions!

EBB will take place on the third Sunday of every month at 5:00 PM, starting off with a light meal and fellowship in Isenberg Hall (suggested free-will donation of $3–$5). Following dinner at about 5:45, we will move to the Nave for presentation and discussion until 7:15. Afterwards, you are welcome to join the evening prayer service from 7:30 to 8:00 PM.

Scheduled presentations for the next six months include:

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Hukilau Winter Assembly

The Hukilau Conference will hold its Winter Assembly on December 15 at 10:00 AM at St. John Lutheran to celebrate the mission and ministries of the Conference. We gather for worship, to talk story, to share a meal, and to hear how God is at work in the world.

This year, Rev. John Lunn, an ELCA Missionary dedicated to working in health care in Liberia, will be our featured speaker. John is an inspiring speaker whose work in health care advocacy and mission is well known. On furlough between assignments, Rev. Lunn is currently Missionary in Residence at Calvary by the Sea Lutheran Church.

In addition, Karen Kirchner, Lihue Lutheran Church, will be available to share her considerable knowledge and expertise on the use of electronic music files in worship. Karen provide midi services for congregations.

Every congregation member is welcome and encouraged to attend the Assembly. The cost is $10.00 per person to cover the cost of lunch and to assist with the travel of our neighbor Island congregations. Everyone is welcome! Come join us for this wonderful event!

The cost is $10, which includes lunch, payable at the door. Please register to participate with your congregation.

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Holy Listening

As 2012 unfolds and a new year begins, I thought it a good time to talk about another dimension of ministry and our lives as people of faith. That dimension is quiet, prayer, reflection, and spiritual companioning of another. The reason I say perhaps it is another dimension is that often times we are so busy living out and acting on our faith that we don’t take the time to reflect on our actions or to quietly just “be” with God.

Some folks have discovered that part of my training has been in the practice of Spiritual Direction and Spiritual Formation. I’m going to attempt to describe some of what this means and perhaps demystify any thoughts or ideas that spiritual direction, or the practice of holy listening, is some super special or magical fancy thing.

Spiritual direction is also referred to as spiritual friendship, companioning, or listening. The main role of the director is simple: It is one of listening and walking alongside someone. The director listens as together the individuals explore the inner workings of what God might be doing. There’s no magic or perfect formula for a good spiritual direction session. Sometimes it might even feel like you’re sitting down with a good trusted friend.

The practice of spiritual direction is not a substitute for counseling or professional therapy. There are many reasons that one would need the help of a medical professional, and often times the care needed does overlap with spiritual needs and issues, however, a spiritual director is not a trained therapist. Rather, he or she tends to and cares for the needs of the soul and one’s spiritual life—sometimes working alongside other caregivers.

One of the beauties of being the directee (the one receiving the gift of another listening to them and only them) is just that—quality time and unconditional listening just for him or herself. Undivided attention of a trusted companion is a rare gift these days. The directee/director relationship is not a mutual friendship though. The director acts as the host and the directee the guest. Hospitality to the directee is the gift of the director’s time— the gift of self for the genuine care of the other. The directee is not required to spiritually care for the director or meet any needs of the director.

You might be wondering, “What are the benefits of receiving spiritual direction?” The first benefit is simply the gift of having a companion along the journey of faith, walking with you through the ups and downs of the inner workings of your soul. Also, a director can offer suggestions for new ways of exploring your faith or introduce you to practices to deepen prayer life. The director also often asks important questions that stem out of the listening which allow you to perhaps think differently about something or help you to wonder in a new way about what God is doing in your life. And, a director can be a trusted companion who, when it is appropriate, challenges you and hopefully helps you to grow and mature in faith toward God.

My hope for each one of us as the new year unfolds is that we’ll take time—whether it be with a director, another trusted spiritual friend, or alone in the quiet with God. May your Christmas season and your new year be filled with blessing and God’s grace. May you have moments of deep listening that help to fuel your active lives.

(If you are interested in learning more or exploring direction for yourself, feel free to contact me. I’d be happy to have a conversation with you. Sometimes just wondering about something can be a little tug or nudge from God.)

Yours on the journey,
Pastor Angela Freeman
pr.angela@lchwelcome.org

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Chamber Music Concert

Saturday, December 8, 2012, 7:30 PM
Lutheran Church of Honolulu

Pacific International Concert Artists presents the music of Schubert, Servais and Liszt; featuring Nicolas Deletaille, arpeggione and ‘cello, and Alain Roudier, fortepiano and piano.

Admission: $20 General Admission; $15 Seniors; Free for students

More information is available at <www.PICAmusic.org>.

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What’s New on the LCH Website?

Bill Potter, Webmaster

November was a fairly quiet month on the LCH website. Of course, there were the regular updates of Sunday sermons and children’s conversations, the list of music and readings for Sunday worship services, issues of The HeartBeat the E-News, and documents from meetings of the Church Council. However, except for those usual updates, there were only a few other changes to the site.

At the beginning of the month, materials for the 2013 stewardship campaign were added to the Congregational Life section. These pages include the letter distributed on Reformation Sunday, a handout with all ten scriptures discussed in the Temple Talks (PDF) leading up to that day, and copies of both commitment cards for time and talent (PDF) as well as treasure. There are also links to the three stewardship calculators.

Other changes mostly revolved around the new Evening Prayer service on the first and third Sundays of the month and the Exploring Boundaries series on the third Sunday. The Worship page was updated with information about the service, and a picture was added later. In addition, the time for Evening Prayers was added to the schedules of worship services on the Home and Worship pages. A page describing the Exploring Boundaries was added to the Congregational Life section. This page lists the topics through next May and gives some information about the scheduled speakers. Following the first presentation on November 18, photos for the light meal, the presentation, and worship were added to the LCH Facebook page.

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Celebrating Service

Miss Peggy as “Mary Merlot” at this year’s Lutherfest.

The church council of LCH has decided to begin a new tradition. As a means to celebrate all of the ways that God is working through LCH, the council is going to highlight a different person (or persons) each month that is helping serve in LCH ministry. These folks are great witnesses to service and faithful witness.

For this month’s selection...meet Miss Peggy! Peggy Anderson has been an active member of LCH for many years. In fact, if you’re semi-new here, she might be the first person you met when you came in the doors. One of Peggy’s gifts that she offers is her warm welcome and hospitality. Over the years, Peggy has done a variety of things to bring joy and share God’s love. She has arranged golfing trips, offered swim lessons, participated in the AIDS Walk, given rides, and entertained with song and smile as Mary Merlot. She has also served faithfully with One Pot One Hope and with IHS for many years. Thank you, Ms. Peggy for all you do!

With thanks,
LCH Council

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Prayer Requests

Alicia	Eric	Maggie
Carl	Gene	Michelle
Chris	Gus	Paul
Debbie	Karen	Stephen
Elaine	Lani	Susan

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December Birthdays

Date	Name
12/03	Betty Petersen
12/04	James Sullivan
12/04	Jerelyn Watanabe
12/06	Jean Lilley
12/09	Masako Schwabenitz
12/10	Tom Juvinall
12/12	Penny Lawhn
12/17	Carly Schweigert
12/18	Jacob Burkman
12/18	Adelheid K. W.
12/19	Andrew Yeh
12/20	Peggy Anderson
12/25	Nicole E. N.
12/23	Michael Burnett
12/23	Linden Doescher
12/24	Sophie C.
12/28	Welmon Walker, Jr

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HeartBeat Deadline

Next HeartBeat Deadline is Tuesday, December 18!

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