Congregational Life at LCH—March, April, and May 2006

Nave Repair Begins

Plywood covering hides the alcove repairsWorshippers on May 14 could not miss the plywood backdrop to the altar area or the dumpster in the parking area. They cover up repairs being done to the alcove behind the altar which has been plagued with leaks for many years. Plans call for the removal of the skylight and replacement of the windows on either side of the alcove. You can read more about this project in the Capital Campaign section.


Abendmusiken Concert: A Bach Pilgrimage III

Darel Stark playing Bach’s Violin Concerto in A minorOn Sunday, May 7, LCH presented the last of this season’s Abendmusiken Concerts, featuring works from Bach’s Weimar years. The program included the Violin Concerto in A minor (BWV 1041) with Darel Stark as the soloist and Cantatas 155 (Mein gott, wie lang, ach lange) and 172 (Erschallet, irh Lieder). The benefit concert raised $2,285 in ticket sales and donations, which will be given to for the victims of Hurricane Rita in the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Synod of the ELCA.


Earth Day Celebration

Presentation on three bird neighborsThe 2006 celebration of Earth Day provided resources so that both children and adults could grow in their understanding of our home and God’s Creation. Participants learned about invasive species and some of our bird neighbors.

Read about the day’s events and see some pictures from the celebration on this page.


Farewell to Pastor David and Karen Barber

Pastor Barber and Karen at their farewell celebrationOn Sunday, April 30, members and friends of LCH gathered to say aloha to Pastor Barber and Karen in worship, potluck fellowship, and a fun-filled program.

Read about the day’s events and see some pictures from the celebration on this page.


A Joyful Easter Celebration

Steve Miller pours champagne for Jeannie CastelloThe entire Honolulu community was able to share in the mystery and joy of our Easter Vigil via pictures in The Honolulu Advertiser. A picture of Josie Bidgood taking her light from the Paschal Candle was on the front page of the Sunday paper, and several more pictures were on their web site, along with pictures from other Honolulu churches.

A part of the celebration not show in the Advertiser was our “sweet feast” of champagne and strawberries following the service (right).


On Easter morning, Sunday School children enjoyed an Easter egg hunt between worship services.

Two boys with their Easter basketsTwo boys with their Easter basketsOne little boy gets help

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Seder Meal and Confirmation on Palm Sunday

A large group—spanning several generations—gathered for the Seder Meal, led by the child

Two children eating their roasted eggs and an older member following the Seder script.Again this year, the LCH Sunday School hosted a Seder Meal for the whole congregation between the two morning worship services. After learning about the Seder and its relationship to the Exodus, the children had prepared place settings and a program explaining the significance of the Meal. They then invited everyone to join in this celebration.


The ritual of confirmation

Confirmands with their cakePalm Sunday worship, following the Seder Meal, combined a variety of elements: the blessing of palms in the courtyard and procession into the Nave, Sylvia Hormann-Alper’s dramatic reading of the Passion Gospel, and confirmation of two of our young people.

Above, the confirmands are shown during the ritual of confirmation with our council president, pastor, and other ministers.

At left, we see Colin and Kore with the cake provided for a reception in their honor following worship.


Cooking for IHS

LCH chefs prepare dinner for IHSLCH has been preparing and serving dinner at IHS, the Institute for Human Services, Honolulu’s homeless shelter, the third Friday of each month ever since IHS opened. Here chefs Chuck Huxel and Jimmy Castro prepare the meal.


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Wednesday Lenten Suppers, Worship, and Bible Study

Members and friends gather for soup and salad before worship

Randy Castello and Debbie Dodd lead the Lenten worship service.Each Wednesday during Lent, LCH members and friends gather on Wednesday evenings. Evenings begin with soup and salad at 6:00 PM, followed by worship at 7:00 PM. This year, we are using That You May Have Life: A Liturgy For Lent by Marty Haugen and Susan Briehl. The liturgy uses themes from the Gospel of John. Following worship is a Bible Study from John, also written by Susan Briehl. Bible Study is from 7:30 to 8:15 PM.

All are encouraged to attend. Sign-up sheets for soup and salad are available on the table outside the Nave, and study books are available for $6.00.


The Lenten Bible Study following worship

Children’s Benefit Concert

Trio with two ’celli and violinOn Saturday, March 4, 2006, the children of LCH put on a benefit concert to raise money towards the purchase of an Ark of Animals from Heifer International that would help children and families throughout the World. The concert featured young string players, pianists, and organist, along with hula, the F.R.O.G.S Ensemble, the Steel Drum Ensemble, and an original poem by Pastor Fritz.

The total cost of the Ark is $5,000. The children have already collected $1,000 through their Sunday School offerings, and over $2,000 in donations and pledges were collected at the Benefit Concert. All members and friends are encouraged to set aside $1 a day through the 40 days of Lent towards our $5,000 goal.


All joined in the finale

Click here for more pictures and details from the concert.

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