The HeartBeat

A Message from Pastor Angela

Rhythm of Life and Ministry

“Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.”—Luke 10:23–24

I’ve written before about my passion for spiritual formation and direction. What I have not talked about directly is the reason for this passion. Over the years, I have come to believe there is a clear rhythm and shape to healthy ministry and the outward and inward journey of faith. This rhythm is modeled after the life of the first disciples. This model shows us how they came to be with Jesus; how they received guidance for personal and spiritual formation and service; how they were sent out and then regathered for rest and leisure; and how they then reported in, prayed, and received spiritual guidance.

I think this rhythm can become a model for our lives and ministry as modern day disciples as well. Just like the disciples, we can pay attention to rest and soul care—an important time that will inform the shape and contact of our meetings with other servants of God. As Jesus encourages his disciples when they returned from doing the work of ministry: “come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while” (Mark 6:31). Faith grows as we learn to open our attention to God in prayer—to be present and available for God as we still ourselves, wait, and listen.

As you enter into the warmer season of the year, school vacations, and visits with loved ones, schedule time for soul care and rest for yourself and your loved ones. Find time for quiet and for prayer, so that you may deepen your faith and grow in your love for Jesus. It will not only serve you well but also enhance the various vocations and ministries God has called you to.

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

Mr. Mark Wong Welcomed as Organist

The LCH community is delighted and honored to welcome Mr. Mark Wong as our new organist and assistant to the director of music and liturgy. Mark is well known in Honolulu’s musical community as an accomplished musician in his own rite. He last served at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church here on O‘ahu as staff organist for twenty-four years. In addition, he has had a hand in designing and voicing several large pipe organs and is currently working on an exciting midi-based organ project.

Mark’s deep and rich knowledge of classical music, hymnody, and musical forms new and old brings a wonderful diversity and skill to the keyboard. We look forward to hearing Mark’s interpretation of God’s Word through music for many years to come.

The selection of Mark as our organist/assistant was neither simple nor quick. A search committee of members from around our congregation met from September 2012 through to March 2013. We received and considered applications from around the USA and Europe—a testament to the strong tradition and reputation of music and liturgy here at LCH. From this pool, the committee requested extensive additional materials and, ultimately, chose to interview and call Mark. The application materials that Mark prepared for us are a testament to his thoroughness, breadth of talents, and resources throughout the musical world. The committee is confident that Mark, as a new partner in worship planning and presenting, will bring many wonderful talents, ideas, and inspirations to our worship life. Welcome Mark!

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April Council Highlights

Council met Tuesday, April 16. Here are some of the highlights of the meeting:

• Council selected Carol Langner as the highlighted volunteer for the June newsletter.
• Recognition of Mark Wong’s acceptance of employment as organist/assistant director of music and liturgy.
• Approval to use funds taken from Mission Investment Fund reserve account for expenses associated with Kathy Crosier celebration and refrigerator purchase.
• Since the PV installation, system has avoided 211,898.5 lbs. of CO₂, with a total yield of 137,307.94 kWh.
• Hörmann Courtyard Update: Alternate design proposition from KunkleWorks. Further drawings and installation estimates to be presented at next month’s meeting.
• Financial Review Committee has recruited three volunteers to fill positions. Still looking for at least two more volunteers to sit on committee.
• Member/plate giving at approximately 92% of expected giving YTD.
• LCH constitution has been revised to meet current ELCA standards. Will be reviewed by Council and finalized at next meeting.

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Process Thought

The Liberation of Science

The Process Forum for May will focus on the short video from “Jesus, Jazz and Buddhism,” a video called “The Liberation of Science.”  We meet the first Saturday of the month, May 4, 9:30–11:00 AM, at Lutheran Church of Honolulu.  The video features Rupert Sheldrake, a very controversial English biologist, whose thought parallels Process Thought in many ways. Our discussions are invariably stimulating.  And we are always glad to have a new voice.

There will be no repeat session on Sunday, so be sure to join us on Saturday.

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Food for Thought

Food for Thought will meet next on Saturday, May 4. at 6:30 PM at the home of Irmgard Hörmann, for potluck supper, video, and discussion. All are welcome. An additional get-together is scheduled for May 4. For information, please call Kathryn Klingebiel through the Church Office (941-2566).

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Writers’ Workshop

Writers’ Workshop will meet next on Monday, May 13, from 7:00 to 8:30 PM at LCH.

For information, please call Kathryn Klingebiel through the Church Office (941-2566).

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Exploring Boundaries

Intimate Partner Violence and Reproductive Coercion
Sunday, May 19th,  6:00–7:15 PM in Isenberg Hall

Dr. Alexa Miller Sueda, an Ob-Gyn physician with Kaiser Permanente Hospital will lead the presentation and discussion.  In the last few years, Alexa, a life-long member of LCH, has worked and counseled with people who have been directly and indirectly affected by this issue.  In the face of many  current news stories,  this is an important public and social issue that demands our attention.  Please invite your friends and family to this informative evening event at LCH.

Evening Prayer, a half-hour of quiet worship, follows at 7:30 PM.

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Good Gifts Benefit Concert

Thank you again for your generous donations and pledges towards the children’s Good Gifts Benefit Concert. The children are eager to choose an item or service from the Good Gifts catalog to send to needy families through this ELCA program, but before we can do that, we have to know the amount of funds that are available. If you or your family made a pledge during Lent, please remember to send in your donation before May 5. Be sure to write “Good Gifts” on the memo line of your check. Once the “Good Gift” has been chosen, we will inform the congregation.

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Holoholo Local Goods & Shopping at LCH

Buying locally is the only way to develop local food sustainability especially while living on an island! Buying locally is an act of environmental stewardship and care for God’s creation. Now, you can do it right here at LCH.

Go to <www.holoholostore.com>, order your bag of produce, and add on other items like honey, coffee, eggs and more. When you’re checking out, make sure you click on LCH as your pick up spot. There are multiple bag sizes for different size households. You can also have a trial week to see if you like it! LCH will have grocery pick up every other week.

The first pick up at LCH will be Thursday, May 16, 2:00–4:00 PM. Sign up now!

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Spiritual Deepening

Monday, May 20 • 7:00–8:30 PM

“Lectio divina” and “contemplative prayer” are ancient spiritual disciplines that draw us deeper into our lives with God. Practicing these disciples together with a small group can not only help keep you accountable in prayer, but it can also add an invaluable dimension to your prayer life. Pastor Angela will be leading this evening of prayer and guiding the participants through the disciplines. If you have never used these practices or if you are a master, you’re welcome to gather in the Boardroom for the evening. Everyone is welcome!

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Mokule‘ia Summer Camp

“Breaking New Ground” is the theme for this year’s overnight summer camp at Camp Mokule‘ia! The camp is owned by the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai‘i, but the program is open for all children—Lutherans too! For children entering grades 9–12, camp is July 5–11.* For children entering grades 4–8, camp will be July 12–14.

*There is also opportunity for senior high kids to apply for a counselor in training program that will run during the senior high week. This is a great opportunity for leadership education and advanced faith formation for this age group.

The programming includes such activities as a regular worship, ropes course, beach art, night fishing, hikes, scavenger hunts, and much more, all while developing and fostering faith and spirituality and embracing Hawaiian culture and beauty. Youth will explore different ways of worship through music, art, and friendships. The theme for 2013 is “Breaking New Ground,” and it is guaranteed to be an unforgettable event!

Talk with Pastor Angela for more info or visit the event website <www.LCHwelcome.org/camp13>.

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Day Camp/Vacation Bible School

“REACH” • 2 Corinthians 5:16–20
June 3–7 • 9:00 AM–3:00 PM (M–Th), 9:00 AM–Noon (Friday)

This day camp program is for children entering grades K–6. Older children are invited and encouraged to participate as helpers. The registration fee is $80 for the first child and $50 for each additional child in a family. Children are asked to bring a lunch with them every day (except Friday). For more information or to register, contact Pastor Angela at <pr.angela@lchwelcome.org>.

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Godspeed and Farewell

If you have been part of the LCH community and are planning on moving off-island this summer due to work, school, family, etc., please let us know so that we may formally say goodbye and send you on your way with a Godspeed and farewell blessing! Just contact the church office with your departure plans so that we may plan for your farewell!

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Council Person in Charge

In an effort to share responsibility of hospitality and to make sure our property is cared for and locked up securely every week after worship, the Council members will be sharing the duties of being “in charge.” Each month a different member of the Church Council will take turns staying after the second service to lock up the doors, close windows, and secure the building. If you or your group are staying in the building after worship, please be sure you communicate with the Council person in charge. Mahalo!

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Pacifica Synod Assembly 2013

The 2013 Pacifica Synod Assembly is a yearly gathering of ELCA Congregations to pray, learn, support one another, and to engage in the business of our Synod. Each ELCA Congregation in the Synod (which covers most of Southern California and all of Hawai‘i) sends two voting members and their pastor(s) to the event, usually held in May of each year.

This year’s assembly, themed “Keeping Creation,” will gather at Town and Country Hotel in San Diego, California, May 2–4. Pastors Angela and Jeff will lead a workshop entitled “The Theology of Solar Panels: the Nuts and Bolts.” Gary and Tami Brauer will serve as the voting member representation from LCH. Please keep all of us in your prayers as we attend the Synod Assembly!

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Hörmann Courtyard Update

At the March meeting of the Congregational Council, it was decided to seek bids from Tropical J’s Awnings for a retractable cover for the Hörmann Courtyard as part of the One in Mission Campaign. Unfortunately, the bid for the project came in at $85,000; more than double our projected budget. The Council is seeking alternative bids/covering systems that will meet our needs while remaining within a realistic budget. Stayed tuned for further progress reports!

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Jacob Burkman Ordained

Jacob Burkman, graduate of the University of Hawai‘i and member of the LCH ‘ohana, was ordained as Pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in Riverside California. The full-time term call to serve Hope Lutheran was issued by the Pacifica Synod Council. Jacob’s ordination was held at Zion Lutheran Church near Pelican Rapids, MN, with Bishop Murray Finck presiding. Zion was the congregation where Jacob served his internship.

Congratulations Pastor Burkman!

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What’s New on the LCH Website?

Bill Potter, Webmaster

Because Holy Week and Easter came at the end of March, related posts on the LCH website mostly appeared at the beginning of April. The Congregational Life page featured posts for Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil, and Easter Sunday. In addition, many of the great photos taken by Jean Lilley were gathered into a Holy Week and Easter 2013 slideshow and featured on the LCH Facebook page. Of course, since April marked the beginning of a new quarter, the posts on the Congregational Life page have been moved to the archive page, which can be reached via the index link at the left side of the Congregational Life page.

Later in April, the Congregational Life page featured photos from the Honolulu AIDS Walk, the celebration in honor of Kathy Crosier, and eARTh Sunday.

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LCH Volunteer of the Month for May 2013

It all began with a grandmother who decided it was time for her grandchildren to come to church. Mildred Hoppman, over thirty years ago, brought little Alexa and Stepha Miller to LCH. The girls joined the Sunday school and looked forward to their weekly time with grandma. Then, one Sunday, Mildred was ill and she couldn’t bring the children. Mom, Linda Miller, brought them instead. She must have been favorably impressed, because all these years later, she is still here as part of the LCH community and the person who the Church Council has selected to honor as our May volunteer of the month.

Linda began to come to LCH on a regular basis and became involved with the Sunday school program and the vacation Bible school during the summers—eventually taking over the leadership of that ministry when Ruth Johnson retired. In addition she did a stint singing in the 10:30 choir and now sings in the 8:00 AM ensemble.

Linda has also been at the helm of the altar guild and chairs the Worship and Music Committee as well. She has spent years in that capacity, being actively involved in the planning and formation of special service days such as the Faith and Arts Sunday, Seder Meal, and Children’s Sabbath. Every year, Linda also takes on the responsibility of placing the order for the Christmas poinsettias and Easter lilies. Dealing with rising candle costs, she figured out creative ways to use our candles down to their stubs and also helped with the research that led to the transition to the liquid wax candles that are now used for the service, Paschal, and healing candles.

A stitchery enthusiast, Linda has been the driving force behind the creation of the pew cushions. Anyone who has ever received one of the welcoming ribbon lei that are presented to visitors can thank Linda for organizing that ministry and teaching others how to weave the lei. Her “In Stitches” group, now taking a much deserved rest, has created hundreds and hundreds of these lei.

Linda has given so much of her time and talents in so many areas of ministry, so it is with huge amounts of love and gratitude that we celebrate and honor her years of service in the LCH community!

Much mahalo,
LCH Council

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It takes a congregation...

Here’s an enthusiastic thanks to all who assisted with the celebration for Kathy on April 14. What a great group of willing folks: courtyard setup/pull-down, kitchen crew, program and Kathy memorabilia, and flowers from Don. A big thanks is also due to those who stayed after service to enjoy the good food and fellowship. You can’t have a party without guests, right? We Lutherans are certainly not a dull bunch! Mahalo all!

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A Message from Pastor Jeff

Love Drives Out Evil

Last night I heard the first news reports about the bombings at the Boston marathon. I immediately thought of Pastor Angela and her husband Michael and Miguel Felipe and his husband Aaron, who all recently moved here from Boston. Did they know anyone injured in the blast? Did the bombing happen where they might have been standing when they lived in Boston? In times of tragedy, our minds turn first to the ones we love and then to sorrow for the many strangers whose lives and loves have been impacted by this senseless act of hatred.

Later in the evening I saw the first video and images from the finish line where the explosions occurred. Immediately following the initial blast, some people began running away from the scene to escape the clear and present danger. Amazingly, others immediately ran toward the carnage to render first aid and comfort to those who had fallen. Runners, medical personal, police and fire officials, and bystanders tended to the wounded without hesitation. Truly, this was a case where the worst of humanity was met by the best of humanity. For me, the enduring image of this day will be the image of a man cradling in his lap a severely injured woman. Care, love, and selflessness win the day—not terror. The desire to help, comfort, keep safe, and endure outweighs and outlasts the sick desire to kill, disrupt, injure, and frighten.

Although Boston is 5,000 miles away from Honolulu, we still help. On the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit descended on those who had gathered and connected them—despite the distance created by language, tradition, and faith. By that same Spirit, we are connected with those in pain through prayer. Let us pray for victims injured by the blast that they might find healing. Let us pray for the doctors, nurses, firefighters, police officers, and other first responders that they might have courage and be the hands of Christ in times of emergency. Let us pray for innocent bystanders and witnesses whose lives will be changed by what they saw, felt, and experienced. Bring them a calm heart and hope. Let us pray for the city of Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, that they bring the comfort of God to one another and may be emboldened in love. And finally, let us pray for the person or persons who planned and carried out this attack, that their hearts might be turned from hatred and violence to the way of peace.

We also are connected in God’s Spirit to the rest of the world, where this kind of violence happens every day. Over the past two weeks alone, there have been countless car bombs in Iraq. In Palestine and Israel, such events are almost commonplace. Our ELCA motto is “God’s Work, Our Hands.” I pray that our hands can work for peace not only in our own country and cities, but throughout the world. Our calling in the Pentecost Spirit is to reach our neighborhood, our nation, and our world with Christ—to reach out with the Peace gifted to us that evening in the upper room when Jesus appeared to the disciples.

In times of tragedy, our hearts turn to those we love. But Christ reminds us that our love must be for all of God’s creation, wherever it hurts, rejoices, triumphs, or hides. Our love must always be the love of Christ that makes for Peace.

With peace,
Pastor Jeff Lilley
pr.jeff@lchwelcome.org

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The Tradition Continues

Dr. Miguel Felipe, Director of Music and Liturgy

Three hundred years ago, Johann Sebastian Bach was a bold man. He was entering the prime of his creative life and would ultimately embark on a most ambitious and crazy plan for liturgical music. He created four independent cycles of musical works for the church year. This body of work numbered over two hundred cantatas, or “sacred concertos,” that united biblical texts, newly composed poetry, familiar hymn tunes, new music, and a contemporary sensibility for the sacred. These collaborative creations because central to worship in Bach’s church life and enriched the people’s connection to the sacred. These works were artistic triumphs that could deliver Christ’s message in ways sermons or familiar, smaller motets might not. Today, Bach’s cantatas are monuments in music history and speak to many of us powerfully as they did in the first half of the 18th century.

When I arrived at LCH and was inspired by the rich cantata performance tradition within the congregation and surrounding musical community, it seemed to me that this was an opportunity to explore what made Bach so effective and what we could do to further that tradition in an innovative, fresh way. From this idea came the Cantata Project: an initiative to commission new cantatas with contemporary texts and music that would continue the tradition Bach immortalized.

The Cantata Project’s first new work will premiere in a vespers service on Sunday, May 26, 2013, at 7:30 PM in LCH’s intimate nave.

At the core of this vespers service will be The Trinity Dancing Cantata by composer Robinson McClellan of New York City and poet Robin Muir-Miller of Australia. The score calls for chamber orchestra; soprano, tenor, and bass soloists; choir and organ. The piece incorporates bits from the lectionary verses for Holy Trinity (May 26, this year); the Psalms appointed for the day; newly-written, English-language poetry; and even the familiar hymn tune: KINGSFOLD, a 19th century British hymn that appears in our hymnal four times, including ELW 412, Come, join the dance of Trinity.

We hope you’ll join us for this inspired continuation of LCH’s commitment to the living Word in music. It will be a moving service and a new page in our rich history at the Lutheran Church of Honolulu.

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Attendance and Offerings for Sunday, April 28, 2013, were not available at time of publication.

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Prayer Requests

Alicia	Elaine	Karen
Amy	Eric	Maggie
Carl	Gene	Stephen
Chris	George	Susan
Debbie		Trinity

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May Birthdays

Date	Name
05/04	Jamie Weeks
05/05	Vreni Griffith
05/09	Bill Fay
05/11	Ivan Kaeo
05/13	Douglas Althauser
05/14	Miles Sato
05/18	Gertrude Ferdun
05/17	Karyn Castro
05/22	Miguel Felipe
05/23	Francisco Barajas
05/24	Stephanie Miller
05/29	Sydney Schaper
05/29	Michael Kiddy
05/30	Ernie Peterson

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HeartBeat Deadline

Next HeartBeat Deadline is Tuesday, May 21!

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