The HeartBeat

Pastor Jeff kneels as other Lutheran clergy gather in the laying-on-of-hands ritual.

Additional photos from the Installation can be found at the end of this edition of The Heart Beat.

A Message from Pastor Jeff

Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he told his disciples they would be filled with the Holy Spirit and become witnesses for him to the ends of the earth. (Acts 2:1)

I want to begin by thanking everyone for the hard work, hospitality, and joyful presence at my installation service on May 20th. Staff, members and friends worked very hard to make the event a faithful expression of the ministry of the Lutheran Church of Honolulu. My family and I were deeply honored by your efforts and truly appreciate the welcome we have received here at LCH. I look forward to many years of ministry with you and pray for the presence of the Holy Spirit as we move toward God’s preferred future for our congregation.

Bishop Murray Finck reminded us in his sermon that the installation was not for or about me, rather it was for and about God and the ministry to which the Lutheran Church of Honolulu has been called. It was an excellent reminder that when we gather as a congregation, there is purpose that extends beyond ourselves into the community and the world. This is such a crucial point for every church to remember. It is very easy for a congregation to center its efforts on survival, building, growth, or status or even a particular program. One congregation I know spent years worrying about how they were going to survive. Over a period of years, every congregational council meeting became a lament and worry session focused on dwindling assets, shrinking attendance, and the flight of young people out of the county. Eventually, the congregation strangled itself in self-pity and closed their doors. The leadership and members focused so deeply on themselves that they forgot the promise of God.

Acts 2 recounts two of those important promises. First, Jesus followers will be filled with Holy Spirit, and second, they will be witnesses for Jesus to the ends of the earth. These are the promises that Jesus extends to the congregation at Lutheran Church of Honolulu, and you as an individual Christian. To be filled with Holy Spirit may feel a little strange for those of us who come from a Lutheran background. When I was in High School my friends refused to believe that I was a Christian because I had not experienced a “pneumatic conversion.” (Think Paul on the road to Damascus) My quiet baptism was not, for them, evidence of God’s Spirit within me. But it was enough for God. In water and word, fellowship and worship we experience the presence of the Spirit every day! Luther wanted us to remember God’s daily walk with us each morning when we wake by making the sign of the cross in remembrance of our baptism. Whether God sends God’s Spirit in water, fire or word, it is present for and in us for the ministry to which we have been called!

Equally exciting is how that Spirit is sending us out! We sometimes forget the second part of Jesus promise, that we would “become witnesses for him to the ends of the earth.” “Witness” is sometimes equated with curbside preaching and bible pounding proclamation. But witness is far more difficult than that. In Romans, Paul suggests that we are witnesses in every moment of our lives, in our work, in our marriage and other relationships, in our speaking to one another, in our business dealings, and in our prayer. There is a very holistic sense about witness that does not allow us to focus only on our needs, our gifts, and our desires. Rather, we are called to live fully “for our neighbor” so that our very lives become a witness for Jesus in the world. That is mission!

When Jesus ascended, the disciples finally figured out that the unique experience they had with Jesus had ended. But an equally unique and exciting experience was about to begin. As history unfolded, the presence of the Holy Spirit led the disciples and their friends to share the good news of Jesus across the globe. God is calling us as a congregation, an as followers to that same mission.

Pastor Jeff

David Del Rocco (left) is about to open the service with an ‘Oli, while Ken Bauchle and John Bickel get ready for the Entrance Procession.

Big smiles from wife Jean, daughter Meghann, and Pastor jeff Lilley on the day of the installation.

Additional photos from the Installation can be found at the end of this edition of The Heart Beat.

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A Thank You from the Fellowship Committee

A “Big Mahalo” to each person that volunteered for Pastor Jeff's Installation Dinner! We greatly appreciated all of the volunteer’s hard work in order to provide this elegant dinner for our guests. It was so wonderful to see so many volunteers involved for this memorable event.

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May 2007 Church Council meeting highlights

• Possible e-Bay fundraising—If anyone is interested in selling items on eBay with the proceeds going to LCH, please contact Administrator Coleen. We would like to put together a committee to help organize this.
• Offerings—Member and plate offerings totaled $21,290 in April, partially due to Easter. However, that total is only 78% of what was budgeted year-to-date. There is concern because offerings can go lower in the summer vacation months.
• Treasurer's report—The year-to-date budget (January through April) shows a deficit of $19,084. The Stewardship Committee is working to addressing this need.
• Capital Campaign—Donations totaling $3,400 were received in April for the Capital Campaign. People are encouraged to donate. With all of the projects now finished, the campaign stands $21,882 in the red.
• Ministry Plan Task Force—Jim Niermann and the task force will make their report available to the congregation. This type of planning is an ongoing activity, but it will be good to show the congregation the progress and ideas shared.
• Personnel Committee—Peggy Brandt, Cheryl Crozier-Garcia, and Jimmy Castro have agreed to serve on the Personnel Committee for the church.

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Ohana Gatherings Begin

The Mutual Ministry Team is again sponsoring ohana gatherings to meet with Pastor Jeff and share your faith journey. An ohana gathering is a group of six to eight people who will share a meal and share conversation. Pastor Jeff is interested in learning how we can be active in ministry and live out what God is calling us to do.

We are seeking people to host the gatherings through the month of June. If you are interested in hosting a gathering in your home or at the church, contact Olivia Castro or Jerelyn Watanabe through the Church Office (941-2566).

Look for sign-up sheets in the courtyard between services.

Ohana gatherings scheduled are as follows...

• 6/1, Friday at 6:00 pm—Jeanette Hanson’s
• 6/3, Sunday at 11:00 am—LCH hosted by Jeanne Castello/Mary Fastenau
• 6/10, Sunday at 4:00 pm—April Smith/Carolyn Koehler’s
• 6/17, Sunday at 4:00 pm—Peter & Jan Flachsbart’s
• 6/23, Saturday at 5:00 pm—Jimmy & Olivia Castro’s
• 6/24, Sunday after church—LCH hosted by Jimmy & Olivia Castro

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Gay Pride Parade

James Cartwright

The Mary Magdalene Society invites the congregation to participate in the Honolulu Gay Pride Parade on Saturday, June 2. We will meet at Magic Island around 8:45 am. The parade leaves Magic Island at about 9:00 am and goes along Ala Moana Blvd. to Kalakaua Avenue, then to Kapiolani Park.

We plan to have a car for those who do not feel up to walking the entire distance. We can also help people return from Kapiolani Park to Ala Moana Park/Magic Island.

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Fellowship Committee

The summer schedule begins in June. On Sunday, June 3, after the 9:15 am service, the Fellowship Committee will be providing pastries/fruit. No potluck after this first 9:15 service.

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In Stitches needs Kukui Nuts

We’ve had so many visitors, especially with the synod assembly that we have run out of kukui nuts to finish off our lei! Please consider donating an old lei from your closet and bring it to church and give it to Linda Miller or leave it on the announcement table. Thank you for your help.

The church craft group will continue to meet through the summer on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month from 9:00 to 11:00 am in the Board Room. We work on our own crafts, or make cushions, lei, and other items for the church. The next few meetings will be June 9 and 23. Contact Linda Miller through the Church Office (941-2566) for more information or encouragement.

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Process Thought and Buddhism

Fritz Fritschel

The last session before a summer break in the Process Theology Series features the relationship between Process Thought and Buddhism. Like Christianity, Buddhism has many different expressions, yet there are a great number of common features between Buddhism and Process thought. Jonipher Kwong will join Fritz Fritschel in the presentation on Saturday, June 9, 9:30–11:00 am in Isenberg Hall. A repeat session will be given on Sunday, June 10, after morning worship.

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Lunch Bunch

Come and join the Lunch Bunch on Sunday, June 10, at 12:30 pm at Kaka‘ako Kitchen in Ward Center. For more information, call Stephanie Miller at 375-6740. See you there!

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Scholarship applications available

Fred Benco, Chairman

The LCH Scholarship Committee wants to remind all LCHers that applications for tuition and other scholarships for the coming year are available up to Tuesday, June 15. Please take the time to apply.

See Administrator Coleen in the church office for an application.

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“CHELSEA CHEN, RISING STAR”

The Hawaii Chapter American Guild of Organists will sponsor organist, Chelsea Chen, in concert at St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Queen Emma Square, on Friday, June 15 at 7:30 pm.

Deemed “extraordinary” in a review by the American Guild of Organists, Ms. Chen, a graduate of the Juilliard School, is a former student of Paul Jacobs (who played at St. Andrew’s last year) and John Weaver. One reviewer wrote, “Her distinctive flair and bravado, mastery of repertoire, and command of the instrument dazzled the audience and showed the organ to great effect.”

She is just finishing a Fulbright year in Taiwan.

Ms. Chen will be joined by Melody L., 15-year old Honolulu harpist, who has won many prizes for her harp playing, including a solo appearance at the prestigious World Harp Congress in Ireland and on National Public Radio’s, “From the Top.” LCH audiences were treated to Melody’s playing at the recent “Young Organist” concert. Many LCHers were in the audience for Paul Jacobs’ stunning recital last year.

The June 15 concert is free, and donations are encouraged. More information may be obtained by calling 721-3468 or by email, agohawaii@hawaii.rr.com.

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IHS needs 80 volunteers

The Institute of Human Services has recently been chosen to be the sole beneficiary of Bank of Hawai‘i’s first annual charity walk, which will take place on Saturday, June 23. The walk will be around Kapiolani Park, a little over a mile long. Approximately 2,000 BOH employees will be participating.

IHS has been asked to help in providing about 80 volunteers for the day, and we are asking organizations and churches that already generously help us with our meal program and other projects to assist for that day.

The shifts are as follows

• Friday, June 22—12 people to help set up in Kapiolani Park from 1:00 pm until it is finished (should not take longer than 2 hours at the most)
• Saturday, June 23—8 volunteers to secure parking lot from 5:00-8:30 am

12 volunteers to help set up from 5:30-11:00 am

40 volunteers to stamp cards at 4 different stations around the park from 6:30-8:30 am

10 volunteers to act as court marshals at 5 locations

If you can assist us with this, please call Katy Bepko at 447-2811 at your earliest convenience. Breakfast will be provided for all volunteers, in addition to t-shirts.

Thank you so much for your willingness to help us! We really appreciate you, the members and friends of The Lutheran Church of Honolulu.

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The Mary Magdalene Society gathered at the Diamond Head Winery on May 12 to make wine for next fall’s Luther Fest.

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LCH Outreach and Social Ministry recap

Carol Langner, Social Ministry Chairperson

A brief recap of our busy year to date... WOW! All of us give of our time, talents and resources as an expression of Christian love and care for our broken world. Many thanks!

Fasting & feasting: during Advent/Christmas 2006-2007, gifts to fasting & feasting enabled LCH to donate $825 to ELCA World Hunger Appeal.

Operation Backpack: during Lent, a large quantity of toiletries, canned food, towels and other items were collected and taken to the Angel Network at Calvary by the Sea on April 18 for packing and distribution. This is a joint project of Oahu Lutherans and Episcopalians.

Heifer International: also during Lent, LCH Youth Kick-Off Benefit Concert. Thanks to our very own youth for leading the congregation in the ARK III Project with their concert on March 3. We exceeded our $5000 goal. LCH floats another ARK of animals, and has about $600 as seed money for next year.

Angel Network: continuous giving of non-perishable food to the ELCA Hukilau foodbank, and a special gift of 52 canned hams at Easter, in honor of Interim Pastor Steven Jensen.

FACE Rally: March 17 at St. Theresa Co-Cathedral. 17 LCHers joined with 850 others in support of legislative action for the homelessness, and specifically for keeping Kukui Gardens as affordable housing.

IHS Third Friday Monthly meal: we continued our tradition (now over 25 years!) of providing a complete meal for over 300 people once a month.

Abendmusiken Benefit Concert: on April 28, $2225 was raised from ticket sales, donations, and refreshment contributions. This money is a direct contribution to IHS beyond our monthly meal.

Mother’s Day Bake Sale: on May 13 for the Augusta Victoria Hospital in East Jerusalem. On the day of the sale, $1200 was collected from suggested donations on baked goods, coffee, chocolate bars and other wonderful items. Remaining coffee and chocolate will increase our support of AV Hospital, a Lutheran World Federation project.

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Mother’s Day Courtyard Bakery. Jeanne Castello and Carol Langner help customer Dori Palcovich.

Bake Sale mahalo

Many thanks to all who baked, bought and otherwise enjoyed the LCH Courtyard Bakery on Mother’s Day, May 13. We especially thank our many, many bakers who contributed time and ingredients to craft such beautiful, delicious treats: Francisco Barajas, Sylvia Hormann-Alper, Peggy Anderson, Mary Reese, Marian Myers, Mary Fastenau, Mary-Jo Estes, Irmgard Hörmann, David Hormann, Billie-Jean Ries, Mike Gorman, Traci Yamane, Bob Zimmer, Ray Herradura, Jan Flachsbart, Biz Person, David Del Rocco, Rachael Lentz, Carol Langner, Sarah Markovits, Jim Cartwright, Jerome Vasconcellos, Tellanders, Castros and all others who helped host the event. By the end of the day, $1,288 had been collected for the Augusta Victoria Hospital in East Jerusalem. Thanks again!

Coffee and chocolate bars are still available. See Carol Langner.

See you at the Bakery!

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Stewardship Corner

Your Stewardship Committee: Pam Buckley, Jeanne Castello, Bill Potter, April Smith

The months have really flown by since our Ministry Fair last November when many of you pledged to offer the first fruits of your time, talents, and treasure!

Turning first to time and talents, we are grateful for all the ways you contribute to all that we do at LCH. We, also, hope that you have been contacted by the appropriate committee chairperson to follow up on your pledge of time and talent. It you have not been contacted or are new to the LCH ‘ohana, please let one of us know, and we will help you make that connection.

For those who have generously pledged a portion of your treasure, we thank you and encourage you to continue to fulfill your financial commitment to LCH. You should have received your statement of giving for the first three months of 2007. Contact Financial Secretary Bill Potter or Administrator Coleen in the church office if you made monetary contributions during the first quarter but did not receive a statement.

Please remember that the IRS now requires written acknowledgement (such as our statements of giving) for your contributions to be tax deductible. This is especially important for those who contribute cash. We have very nice offering envelopes in the pew racks for occasional cash contributions, but they are a little expensive. So, if you regularly give cash, please contact Bill Potter for your own box of envelopes. You can also use any plain envelope with your name, date, amount, and any special designation for your offering on the front.

With summer approaching and people coming and going, please remember to keep up your commitment to LCH. One hassle-free way never to forget your pledge is electronic funds transfer (EFT). Under this system, once you sign up for a weekly (every Monday) or monthly (first or fifteenth of each month) transfer of your pledge, it is automatically deducted from your saving or checking account transferred into LCH’s account. See Bill Potter if you’d like to start an EFT.

A final goal for the Stewardship Committee is to keep you informed about the financial health of our congregation. Working with the Finance Committee, we will make sure you get a statement of income and expenses each month through the Heart Beat or by other means.

Mahalo for all the ways you—our members, friends, and friends—contribute your time, talents, and treasure to LCH.

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Congratulations Castellos

Congratulations to the younger members of the Castello family. Nick has graduated from Assets High School and will be attending Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa, where he will be playing collegiate volleyball.

Marisa will be finishing up her stint with AmeriCorp in Massachusetts this summer and will attend Springfield College to earn her Master's Degree in Psychology with a concentration in School Guidance.

Randy and Jeanne have been accustomed to Marisa living on the mainland for the past seven years, but will be “empty nesters” when Nick goes away to school in Iowa in the fall.

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What’s New on the LCH Website?

Bill Potter, webmaster

In last month’s Heart Beat, I wrote that we would be posting audio files of sermons preached at LCH. This turned out to be a more complicated process than we thought, but thanks to the hard work of our Property Committee (especially Jean-Paul Klingebiel and Bill Fay), we were able to post the May 13 sermon. As long as there are no more problems with the sound system, they will be posted every week from now on. The sermons are posted as mp3 files, so you can listen on your computer or download files to your iPod or other mp3 player. Podcasts will be coming soon.

Some of you may wonder how many people visit our website. Our hosting service provides a wealth of interesting statistics to answer that and other questions. Here are some figures for the month of April:

• We had 1393 unique visitors (different computers) and 1831 visits in April. This was the lowest monthly total for 2007. There were 2281 unique visitors in March, which was the high so far this year.
• The average number of visitors each day was 61.03, and the average number of pages viewed per visit was 2.17. The highest number of visitors in April was 113 on April 2, and the lowest was 36 on April 29.
• The most often viewed page, as you would expect, was our home page (640 views), but some of the other frequently viewed pages may surprise you: children (253), paraments (182), newsletter (159), worship (159), congregational life (150), and cushions (135).
• 61.4% of visitors came directly to our site, 30.4% came via a search engine, and the rest came via a link from another site, such as the ELCA website (29 referrals), the Pacifica Synod website (7), and Lutherans Concerned’s RIC page (4).
• As you would expect, the top search phrase was “lutheran church of honolulu” (52 searches). Some other search phrases were “seder meal for children” (7), “liturgical paraments” (5), and “taize cross” (4).
• An estimated 15% of visitors added our website to their favorites list.

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Keep in Your Prayers...

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June Birthdays

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Heart Beat Deadline

Next Heart Beat Deadline is Tuesday, June 19!

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Calendar: June 2007

Friday, June 3

12:00 Noon Preschool Graduation

6:00 PM Ohana Gathering—J. Hanson’s

Sunday, June 3—Trinity Sunday

9:15 AM Holy Communion

11:00 AM Ohana Gathering—LCH

8:30 PM Pre-Compline Discussion

9:00 PM Compline

Wednesday, June 6

10:00 AM Preschool Chapel

Saturday, June 9

9:00 AM In Stitches

9:30 AM Process Theology Workshop

Sunday, June 10

9:15 AM Holy Communion

10:30 AM Process Theology Workshop

12:30 PM Lunch Bunch

4:00 PM Ohana Gathering—Smith/Koehler’s

8:30 PM Pre-Compline Discussion

9:00 PM Compline

Monday, June 11—Kamehameha Day—Office Closed

Tuesday, June 12

6:30 PM Worship & Music

Wednesday, June 13

10:00 AM Preschool Chapel

12:30 PM Finance Committee

Friday, June 15

1:30 PM Prepare IHS Meals

5:30 PM Serve IHS Meals

Sunday, June 17—Father’s Day/RIC Sunday

9:15 AM Holy Communion

4:00 PM Ohana Gatherings—Flachsbart’s

8:30 PM Pre-Compline Discussion

9:00 PM Compline

Tuesday, June 19

9:00 AM Heart Beat Deadline

6:00 PM Executive Committee

6:30 PM Council Meeting

Wednesday, June 20

10:00 AM Preschool Chapel

Saturday, June 23

9:00 AM In Stitches

5:00 PM Ohana Gathering—Castro’s

Sunday, June 24

9:15 AM Holy Communion

12:00 Noon Ohana Gathering—LCH

5:00 PM Confirmation Pool Party

8:30 PM Pre-Compline Discussion

9:00 PM Compline

Wednesday, June 27

9:00 AM Heart Beat Mailing

10:00 AM Preschool Chapel

6:30 PM 8:00 O’clock Ensemble rehearsal

Saturday, June 30

6:30 PM Game Night

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More Pictures from Pastor Jeff’s Installation, May 20th

The children of LCH presented a musical offering for the prelude. Shown above are two young violinists, accompanied by their mother.

A young organist played David Schack’s “Prelude.”

All dressed in red.

Children sing “One Ohana” following the second reading.

A young hula dancer greets Pastor Jeff. She danced a hula as part of the prelude.

Former LCH Intern, Katy Grindberg, returned for the celebration.

The Compline Choir sings during Communion.

Jacob Burkman receives a blessing before leaving for Seminary, May 20th.

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