Our 2007 stewardship theme is “Giving from the Heart”

Stewardship 2007—“Giving from the Heart”

October 2007

Aloha to all Members and Friends of Lutheran Church of Honolulu.

How many times have our hearts been touched over the last year at LCH! We called Pastor Jeff Lilley and his family to our ‘ohana and celebrated the 90th birthday of our beloved matriarch, Irmgard Hörmann. The Millers welcomed a new granddaughter, and the D’Evelyns were blessed with a new son! Our music ministry continues to be a strong presence in the community, and we continue our faithful support of IHS, Angel Network, Heifer Project, and other social ministries. At the same time, some of our LCH family have experienced the loss of parents, other family members, and friends. Through good times and bad, we know that we are here for each other and that God’s love and grace never fails us.

Reflecting on all these experiences that have touched our hearts, your Stewardship Committee is organizing this year’s stewardship activities around the theme “giving from the heart.”

The dictionary defines the word give in fifty-two different ways. But those definitions can miss the real point: Why do we give? We give because it feels good. We give because everything we have is a gift from God. We give so that LCH can grow. We give to help others. We give to set examples for our children. We give simply because we can. Our life together at LCH and our life in Christ bring us so much joy that our hearts overflow and many of us give to our church as a thankful expression of that joy. So this year we are asking every member and friend to “give from the heart.”

Of course, these heartfelt reasons don’t tell the whole story. We know that some of us are very practical givers, and we don’t want you to feel left out. Enclosed is a pie chart showing how our monetary donations are utilized through our budget (PDF). Take a look at how your gifts enable us to do God’s work here at LCH and throughout the community. Our intellects can also lead us to “give from the heart.”

This year we encourage everyone in our ‘ohana to make a written pledge—a simple agreement between you and God to “give from the heart” and a way to remind yourself to be a regular, faithful giver. Pledging is also a great help for our church leaders as they plan for the daily operations, ministries and outreach programs at LCH. Thanks to all of you for your prayerful consideration and plans to “give from the heart” to LCH in 2008 and beyond.

A pledge card (PDF) is enclosed (as well as a form to authorize electronic funds transfer (PDF)), and more will be available at church and on the LCH website if you misplace this one. We will dedicate our pledges to God at both morning worship services on Sunday, November 11. We will also have a separate opportunity to make pledges of Time and Talents in the spring of 2008.

We give thanks for all the gifts God has given to us and for hearts which respond to God’s love.

Mahalo from your Stewardship Committee,
Pam Buckley, Jeanne Castello, Bill Potter, and April Smith

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Stewardship Activities—Fall 2007

Sundays, October 14, October 21, and November 4—Temple Talks at both morning worship services—Read some of the talks:
- Mitchell G. (October 14)
- April Smith (October 21)
- Jerelyn Watanabe (October 21)
- Bob Tellander (November 4)
Tuesday, October 16—Mailing of stewardship letter.
October 17 through November 11—Prayerful consideration of our commitments to the ministry of LCH and filling out of pledge cards. Pledge cards may be mailed or delivered to the church office or put in the offering at worship any time through November 11.
Saturday, November 10—Lutherfest Celebration at 5:30 p.m. The celebration will include a silent auction FUNdraiser, with funds going towards the paving of the back parking lot.
Sunday, November 11—Pledges will be dedicated at both morning worship services.

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