LCH E-News—June 28, 2007

From Pastor Jeff

One of my favorite words is the Hebrew word “Shalom.” Often translated “peace,” the word is used as a greeting, a parting wish, and a farewell in much the same way “aloha” is used here in the islands. But like “aloha,” the word shalom has meanings far deeper and more profound than common usage would imply. My friend Steve once did a research project in which he researched “shalom” within the context of Sabbath. What he found was that shalom implied more than personal peace or well-being. Shalom is connected both with a sense of community and mutual responsibility as well as being rooted in the well-being that comes from God.

This distinction seems crucial in a world where we may settle for a kind of peace that is little more than the absence of too much conflict, or a moment of respite from a noisy world. Perhaps we have become so accustomed to violence, hunger, tension, and distraction that our expectations for shalom have disappeared altogether. We settle for fleeting moments of quiet, or a day of vacation, but we neither expect nor even look for shalom.

Yet, as Jesus prepared to turn his ministry over to his disciples (and to us), he first wished them “Shalom. My peace I give to you, my peace I leave with you.” Part of the mission of the church is to convey that “shalom” to an overburdened and rather angry world. For many of us, that proclamation begins in word and sacrament. In worship we hear again and again God’s deep and abiding words of love for us and for the world. We eat a simple meal and are drawn together in prayer. Hopefully we find the strength to forgive and love one another. But we don’t stop there.

As we walk out of the doors and receive greetings and announcement sheets from the ushers, we have the opportunity to spread this deep and abiding sense of shalom with the world. As we are connected with God and one another in a grace relationship, so we can share that relationship with other. A kind word, and understanding ear, even the smallest kindness to a stranger can open shalom in some unexpected ways. There is no need to knock on doors or preach from the curb. You don’t even have to put an “I’m a Christian, Can’t you tell?” bumper sticker on your car. Just share a little shalom. Who knows, maybe it will catch on!

Kupuna Sunday:

On Sunday July 1st, we will honor our senior members with a special emphasis Sunday. Following worship, Pastor Jeff and President Brian Weis have invited our honored elders to join them for an Ohana meeting at the Wai‘oli Tea Room in Manoa. Brunch will be provided. Our Kupuna will receive an invitation in the mail this weekend. If you do not receive an invitation, please call the church office. Mahalo!

Youth are off to WAPO:

Over twenty of the Hukilau youth and their adult sponsors left this afternoon to attend summer camp at Camp Wapogasset in Wisconsin. Pastor Jeff, Jean, and several parents bid farewell to our youth at the airport. Please keep Seth, Crescent, Jordan, Colin and Peggy, from our LCH Ohana in your prayers this week. They will return to Honolulu July 8. Mahalo Randy Christiansen for making the travel arrangements and assisting the youth at the airport.

Organ Rebuild Complete:

After nearly four weeks of work, a major renovation of the church organ is complete. Rumors are that is sounds wonderful. Planning is underway for an organ re-dedication party in the near future. Stay tuned! (get it, stay tuned...ha ha!)

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