Congregational Life at LCH—April, May, and June 2008

Adult Forum Considers Transit Plans

The Adult Forum following worship on June 29 heard a presentation by Mark Garrity of Parsons Brinckerhoff, the company working on the Environmental Impact Statement for Honolulu’s rail transit plan. The presentation covered various aspects of transportation on the island, including design and technology issues, impacts on various aspects of people’s lives, costs, and the political controversy surrounding the project. Of course, the group had a lot of questions for Mr. Garrity.

At right, Mr. Garrity is shown making his presentation.

LCH Marches in Pride Parade

Again this year, LCH was part of Honolulu’s LGBT Pride Parade, marching down Ala Moana Blvd. and Kalakaua Ave. to Kapi‘olani Park. The church was also a sponsor of this year’s Pride Celebration and participated in the Festival at Ala Moana Beach Park with a table.

At left, Pastor Jeff and Jean Lilley, John Bickel (with his dog Boi), Bill Potter, and Bob Zimmer lead the LCH contingent through Waikiki.

Wine Tasting for Mary Magdalene Society and Friends

More than a dozen members of the Mary Magdalene Society and friends gathered at the Diamond Head Winery on Sand Island Access Road for a festive wine tasting on Saturday, June 21. Once again, the Society had to select wine for Luther Fest. The group identified a dozen wines from the list and then got down to the demanding work of tasting. After lots of friendly banter, joking around, and nibbling, they decided on Luna Rossa, a full-bodied red. The wine was mixed up and will ferment at the Winery for six weeks. Then comes the bottling so that everything is ready for Luther Fest on Saturday, October 25.

At right, members of the group taste one of the early white wines.

Fathers Honored with Luncheon

LCH honored the fathers among us on Sunday, June 15, with a Father’s Day Luncheon following worship. The Fellowship Committee prepared and served the luncheon of sloppy joes so that all the rest of us could enjoy the lovely day and a time of fellowship.

At left, Brian Weis and Ilse Layau prepare root beer floats, a big hit on a warm summer day.

Creativity Shines on Faith & Arts Sunday

Again this year, the creativity of the LCH ‘ohana shown brightly on Faith & Arts Sunday. Members of the congregation—both young and old—displayed drawings and paintings, knitting and quilting, pottery and sculpture, poetry and prose, photography and multimedia. Our musicians also provided special music for worship.

At left, members and friends view some of the many items displayed in the courtyard.

Follow this link to view many of the items displayed in a slideshow of pictures from Faith & Arts Sunday 2008. The slideshow includes a link to poetry and prose written by members of Writers’ Workshop.

Good Food and Fellowship at Pau Hana Gathering

Pastor Jeff and the “Pau Hana Crew,” (particularly Jim Niermann) invited everyone to the first Pau Hana Gathering on Friday afternoon, May 30, and almost thirty members and friends of the congregation took them up on their offer.

While many of the folks came after work, the Crew was at Magic Island early to set everything up and get the grill going. At left, some of the early arrivals relax while the food was being prepared. Of course, there was plenty of food and lots of good natured fun for both young and old. The Crew even had a pool for how many people would show up. (It should be noted that the most optimistic guess of 28 was the winner. No word on what the prize was.)

The Crew promises many more Pau Hana Gatherings to come, so watch The HeartBeat for an announcement of the next one. You won’t want to miss it.

Fun Day Brings Sunday School Year to a Close

Once again this year, the Sunday School year came to an end with the annual Fun Day on May 25. The fishing pond, penny drop, and treasure box were all there, but as is always the case, the most popular event was the dinosaur races. When the morning was over, everyone—both children and adults—had had a wonderful time, and all the children went home with lots of prizes.

At right, one of the girls concentrates on getting her penny into the small middle container to win a special prize.

Thanks to the whole crew from Learning Ministries for their dedication throughout the Sunday School year.

Follow this link for a slideshow of pictures from the Sunday School Fun Day.

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Josh Graber Graduating

Baptism and Confirmation on Trinity Sunday

This year’s celebration of Trinity Sunday was especially meaningful because it included both a baptism and confirmation. Jason and Elise Fox brought their young daughter to be baptized, and Linde S. entered into full membership through confirmation.

At right, Pastor Jeff Lilley marks baby Fox with the sign of the cross as part of the Rite of Baptism. Linde S. (with her back to the camera) looks on.

Happy Crew Serves Dinner at IHS

Once again the third Friday of the month and the LCH crew prepared and served dinner to the clients at IHS, the Institute for Human Services, Honolulu’s homeless shelter. The only difference this month was that instead of rice, cole slaw, and mixed vegetables accompanying LCH’s usual meatloaf, guests enjoyed tasty vegetarian dinners of dhal, basmati rice, and curry donated by one of the airlines.

At left, the LCH crew posses for a picture right before they begin serving the meals.

If you’d like to be a part of the fun (and enjoy some of the tasty meatloaf), contact the Castros or the Church Office (941-2566) to volunteer. Preparations for dinner begin at 1:00 PM, and serving begins at 5:30 PM.

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Abendmusiken Concert Raises Funds for IHS

A large and enthusiastic crowd enjoyed another in the Bach Pilgrimage series of Abendmusiken Concerts on Sunday, May 11. This concert, the fifth in the series, focused on the works from Bach’s time in Cöthen, including the Sonata III in E major for violin and harpsichord, Orchestra Suite Nr. 1 in C major, Organ Prelude and Fugue in D minor, and Cantata Nr. 23 “Du wahrer Gott und Davids Sohn.” The concert was a fundraiser for the Institute for Human Services, with more than $3,000 being raised in ticket sales and donations.

At right, the Bach Chamber Orchestra performs the Orchestra Suite Nr. 1 in C major.

Of the Holy Spirit and a Shopping Cart

“How is the Holy Spirit like a shopping cart?” A strange question, you might think, but it all makes sense if you were there for the children’s conversation on Pentecost.

After getting all the right answers from the children about the mighty rush of wind and the tongues of flame, Pastor Jeff asked they if they could hear the wind or see the flames. When they said no, the next question was “How do you know the Holy Spirit is here?” He then wheeled over a shopping cart full of food for contributed for the Angel Network and explained how the Holy Spirit working through members of the congregation had filled the cart with food, just like the disciples had been filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

Center for Mission & Learning Dedicated at Synod Assembly

Pastor Jeff Lilley, Peggy Anderson, and Bob Zimmer represented LCH at Synod Assembly, May 1–3 in Southern California. The highlight of the Assembly was the dedication of the new Center for Mission & Learning, but another part of the visit for our delegates was the opportunity to present the first installment of our B2B2B pledge.

At right, our delegates at the Bishop’s Banquet.

Follow this link for a slideshow of pictures from the Assembly.

Follow this link to learn more about the B2B2B campaign.

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Angel Network Ingathering this Sunday

May 4 is the first Sunday of the month, and once again the people of LCH will be bringing in their contributions for the Angel Network. The congregation has been especially generous in recent months, as shown by Pastor Jeff Lilley’s vehicle in April (left).

All manner of non-perishable food items and personal care items are welcome for the monthly ingathering. Canned stew, Spam, cup noodles, and canned tuna are especially popular.

Update from Former LCH Intern Josh Graber

Former LCH Intern Pastor Josh Graber just returned from a mission trip to Africa and sent us all an update. Josh is finishing up his M.Div. at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN, and preparing for his first call to Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead, MN. The letter also includes news of Josh’s family.

At right, Josh takes in the sights from Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa.

Follow this link to read Josh’s full letter and to see another picture from his trip.

Renovated Boardroom Dedicated

Sunday, April 27, finally saw the dedication of the renovated Boardroom, Sacristy, and Counting Room. Back in November when the renovations began, Pastor Lilley said the work would be done in six days. He was partly right—the major work was completed in six days; the small stuff took six months. Members and friends who toured the rooms after worship were impressed with the careful attention to detail in the project.

At left, Steve and Linda Miller look over the finished project. Follow this link for pictures from the whole project.

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LCH Celebrates Earth Day 2008

Sunday, April 20, was Earth Day at LCH, and the congregation celebrated with appropriate prayers and messages at worship and special activities for both young and old.

Homilist Jim Sullivan used wooden chopsticks to illustrate his message for the children and brought both wit and wisdom to the assigned lessons. Follow these links to listen to the children’s conversation or the sermon.

Between service, members of the Learning Ministries Committee led our children and youth in making Earth Day posters. A big hit was a chance for little ones to add their own footprints to the poster calling for everyone to “Reduce Your Carbon Footprint.“

Follow this link to view the Earth Day 2008 Slideshow.

Worship Team Boot Camp with The Braeded Chord

In preparation for the introduction of their new worship setting, The Braeded Chord led boot camp for members of the 8:00 O’Clock Ensemble and others on Saturday morning, April 19. The award-winning duo is made up of Sharon Dennis and Doris Au MacDonald (Kathy Crosier’s sister) and comes to us from Northern Virginia.

At left, Pastor Jeff Lilley and members of the 8:00 O’Clock Ensemble rehearse the Kyrie from the new communion liturgy under the direction of Sharon and Doris (in grey T-shirts).

The new liturgy will get its world premier at the 8:00 service on April 20.

Follow this link to view The Braeded Chord Slideshow with pictures from all the events with the group.

New Bulletin Board Highlights LCH Mission and Values Statements

It was a rainy Sunday morning, April 6, but a bright new bulletin board brightened up the courtyard. The bulletin board combined LCH’s Mission and Values Statements with pictures from our congregational life illustrating various parts of the statement.

The LCH Mission Statement is in the form of a haiku, a 17-syllable Japanese poetic form in three lines of 5, 7, and 5 syllables.

The LCH Vision Statement expands on each significant word of the LCH Mission Statement, offering possibilities for embodiment in congregational life.

A picture of the bulletin board has been added to the web page with our Mission and Vision Statements. If you can’t get to campus to see the bulletin board, go to that page and click on the smaller pictures to view them at a larger size.

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